Every service provided by Local Authorities impacts on the health and well-being of communities and individuals.
Recognition of the magnitude and potential of our role in improving well-being is growing, and increasingly Local Authorities are being seen as health improvement agencies in their own right.
In Wales, local government has been galvanising its approach to health improvement through action around Health, Social Care and Well-being Strategies and in response to Health Challenge Wales. The Health Improvement team in WLGA are promoting health and well-being as cross-cutting theme for every aspect of local government.
All 22 Authorities are signed up to the following principles to maximize our health improvement potential:
- The continued emphasis and use of its legitimate role as a community leader to co-deliver improved citizen and community health. Alongside this the continued coordination of its functions of health protection and environmental, economic and social well-being , in addition to being a provider and commissioner of high qualitycare and support to vulnerable groups.
- In these endeavours, utilising World Health Organisation (WHO) Charters and guidance on Health Improvement, Protection and Promotion.
- Striving to be an exemplar of good practice, promoting the benefits of good health and ensuring its policies and practice reflect a core commitment to promoting and maintaining good health for citizens and in communities.
- Investing in the development and use of robust information which will inform local and national policy development and provide evidence for measuring its efficiency and effectiveness.
- Working in partnership with public and private organisations, placing its emphasis on developing strong local strategic partnerships that are capable of delivering tangible and sustainable improvements.
- Identifying and delivering joint priorities that will produce maximum health gain while not compromising local governments' ability to fulfil its full breadth of responsibilities and statutory obligations.
- Investing in its workforce to ensure it is in the best possible position to respond to the challenges that lie ahead.
- Seeking realistic levels of investment to allow local government to respond effectively but at the same time work to make the best possible use of existing resources.
- Continuing to promote collective action across all parts of local government.
The WLGA Health Improvement Team is working with local authorities, the NHS and other partners in these endeavours - providing capacity building support and policy development advice. The linked resources available through this section of the WLGA web site should assist – if you think we can help further please get in touch.
Further Information:
To view all the associated sections within the Health Improvement website please select from the left hand column or choose from one of the options below:
- Health Improvement Publications & Briefings
- Health & Wellbeing Links