Healthy City Swansea joins forces with London experts

Although life expectancy across Swansea is increasing, there is still a significant gap between those living in the richest parts of the city and those living in the poorest parts. There is also evidence that it is the conditions which people are born into, live and work that determine their longer term health.

As part of its challenge to improve the health of all residents, Healthy City Swansea wants to tackle the issues causing these inequalities.

To do this, they are working with the University College of London, Institute of Health Equity, which is led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, who carried out a worldwide review of the causes of health inequalities.

Already it has been agreed one of the key priorities will be supporting families and parents to ensure every child is given the best start in life. This will include prioritising pre and post natal care and supporting families in the child’s early years, for example when preparing for school.

Another key priority will be to work with local people to make individual communities as healthy and vibrant as possible.

Paul Roberts, Chief Executive for ABMU Health Board, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations and agencies across Swansea to work together to make the city fairer and healthier. It is vital that everyone has the same access to good healthcare and support. ABMU Health Board is delighted that tackling health inequalities is being made a top priority amongst partners and will do all that we can to support it.”

Councillor Mark Child, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Well Being, said:

“We are delighted to be given this opportunity to work in partnership with the Institute to accelerate our efforts to reduce health inequalities. In Swansea, there is up to a twelve year life expectancy gap between richer and poorer parts of the city. We should not tolerate this kind of gross inequality any longer.”

Marmot team member, Dr Mike Grady, explained:

“Swansea has been selected to become a partner because we believe there is a real commitment to reduce the inequality that exists. Whilst issues cannot be solved overnight, we believe we can bring expertise and a solid evidence base that can assist partner agencies to work with communities to significantly improve the current situation.

“There will be a small number of UK and European cities that will work together to address this issue.”

The Healthy City programme is led by the World Health Organisation and Swansea is one of 100 cities across Europe that have been given Healthy City status.

Other agencies supporting the Healthy City programme alongside ABMU Health Board and the City and County of Swansea include Public Health Wales, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, Swansea Council for Voluntary Services and Swansea University.