Foreword
Caring for our residents’ wellbeing and supporting those who face the biggest challenges to living healthy, independent lives, is at the heart of everything we do in Hertfordshire and west Essex.
This strategy sets out the ways in which we will work to ensure that we can all live, work and play in healthy and safe communities where everyone’s contributions are valued, and we all have the opportunities and support we need to thrive.
We know that each person’s health and wellbeing is shaped by their childhood experiences, the home and environment they grew up in, their finances, education, employment opportunities, and access to vital public services.
We have developed our 10-year strategy by listening to the views and experiences of residents and staff, looking at the information which shows where the needs are greatest, and focusing on those priority areas where we can make the biggest positive impact together.
Together, we will work to:
- give every child the best start in life
- support our communities and places to be healthy and sustainable
- support our residents to maintain healthy lifestyles
- enable our residents to age well and support people living with dementia
- improve support to people living with life-long conditions, long term health conditions, physical disabilities, and their families
- improve our residents’ mental health and outcomes for those with learning disabilities and autism.
Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic showed what can be achieved when communities come together to support each other, and the NHS, councils, and the voluntary and community sector work together with a common aim.
With our combined commitment, expertise and resources, our partnership of 28 organisations, which have joined forces through the Integrated Care Partnership, will help to deliver these priorities together, building a brighter and healthier future for everyone who lives and works in our area, so that we can all enjoy the very best that Hertfordshire and west Essex have to offer.
Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Chair of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Partnership, and Chair of Hertfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board
Right Honourable Paul Burstow, Independent Chair of Integrated Care Board, and Vice Chair of Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Partnership
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Essex County Council