Wirral’s new Public Health Annual Report (PHAR) shows how our homes and neighbourhoods influence our health, wellbeing and everyday life.
The report, titled A Place to Call Home: How Housing Shapes Health in Wirral, was presented to Wirral’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee earlier this month. It highlights the strengths in our communities, the support already available to residents and the positive work already taking place.
It also looks at the pressures some people face, including rising housing costs, fuel bills and insecure housing, and explains how regeneration and partnership working are creating new opportunities to build safer, healthier and more connected places for everyone.
Each year, Wirral Council publishes an independent Public Health Annual Report, known as the PHAR. It is a legal requirement and gives the Director of Public Health the chance to highlight an important issue that affects the health and wellbeing of local people. The theme is chosen based on local evidence, the needs of residents and the challenges seen across our communities.
This year’s focus on housing reflects the strong link between where we live and how healthy we feel. The PHAR outlines the findings, what needs to happen next and how these actions will shape future plans, services and work across the council and its partners.
Why housing and health go hand in hand
The report sets out that where we live has a big impact on how healthy and happy we feel. It says a home is more than a building. It’s where we rest, feel safe and spend time with the people we care about.
Dave Bradburn, Wirral’s Director of Public Health, said: