Liverpool City Council has officially been recognized as a Marmot City, acknowledging the city’s dedication to reducing health disparities and enhancing the well-being of its residents. This prestigious status was conferred by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, a prominent figure in health equity, during his visit to the city on April 23.
Sir Michael’s visit to Liverpool showcased the city’s initiatives to tackle the underlying factors contributing to poor health, such as poverty, inadequate housing, low-income and unstable jobs, and unequal access to education. These fundamental issues significantly impact individuals’ longevity and overall health.
Liverpool’s Marmot City designation is supported by the findings of The State of Health in the City: Liverpool 2040 report, which illuminated the deep-seated health inequalities in Liverpool and highlighted ongoing innovative efforts to address them. Currently, residents in Liverpool have shorter life expectancies and spend more time in poor health compared to the national average, with some areas experiencing up to a 15-year disparity in life expectancy and up to 18 additional years of ill health than more affluent neighborhoods.
To confront these challenges, Liverpool has established a unified approach through the Fairer, Healthier Liverpool (FHL) Partnership, a collaborative effort involving the City Council, NHS, voluntary and community organizations, and other key stakeholders. Together, they aim to implement various strategies, including action across the Marmot Eight Principles, strengthening local partnerships, involving communities in creating solutions, taking proactive measures to prevent poor health, and integrating fairness and health into all policies and services.
Key initiatives already in progress include Liverpool’s ‘Health in All Policies’ approach, which ensures health considerations are integrated into decisions related to planning, housing, and revitalization efforts. Moreover, the Healthy Boost Project supports local families by offering fruit and vegetable vouchers to enhance diets, promote access to healthy food, support mental well-being, and improve overall wellness. For additional information and examples of ongoing efforts, visit the dedicated website: www.fairerhealthierliverpool.org
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