people

Plan approved to tackle inequality in Northumberland

A plan to tackle inequalities in Northumberland has been presented to the Northumberland Health and Wellbeing Board for approval. 

Following a summit earlier this year, over 400 stakeholders in Northumberland took part in a series of conversations across the county, to develop an action plan to work differently with our communities and help to tackle inequalities. 

Senior leaders from Northumberland County Council, the NHS, voluntary and private sector including businesses, worked together to develop the plan which outlines two phases: 
  • Shorter term culture change enabling actions to be embedded by 2025/26.  
  • A set of ‘Big Ambitions’ based on findings from the recent conversations, focusing on ensuring the whole system works collectively to tackle inequalities. The actions will be drawn from existing plans such as the North of Tyne Wellbeing Framework and the Northumberland Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. 
Leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson, said: “In the poorest parts of Northumberland, residents are dying up to 12 years earlier than people in wealthier areas and spending longer living in poor health.   

"We know that inequalities and the rising cost of living are among the most important problems facing residents in Northumberland. Not everybody shares equally in the benefits of living here, so I am delighted that we are working in a collaborative way, with support from all political parties and with partners to tackle this inequality.   

“This is about changing how we do things, coming up with new and innovative ways to work with our communities, that result in real and positive change. We want to ensure inequalities don't widen further before we seek to level off and eventually close the gap in health, social and economic outcomes.   

“There is already a great deal happening In Northumberland when it comes to economic activity and regeneration, but there is a strong indication from a range of professional and volunteer stakeholders that there is much more we need to do to create the conditions which empower communities to take proactive action.” 

The Inequalities Plan aims to establish key goals that can be delivered at scale over the coming years to level off and start to reduce the gap in healthy life expectancy. 

It commits to: 
  1. Looking at everything through an inequalities lens. 
  2. Listen to the voice of residents and better data sharing. 
  3. Community strengths are considered first. 
  4. Enhancing our services to ensure equity in access to opportunity. 
  5. Maximising our civic/statutory level responsibilities. 
Alistair Blair, Medical Director for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Inequalities are not inevitable, and the gaps are not fixed.  

“By working collaboratively with key stakeholders and our communities, we will be able to help people live long, healthier and happier lives.  

“Tackling inequalities goes beyond the provision of care. A concerted, collaborative and sustained effort is needed to address the multiple factors that drive inequalities. 

“Together with our partners, we commit to ensuring the Northumberland Inequalities Plan is embedded into our day-to-day work from corporate strategic planning to front line delivery.” 

 
View all news