Liverpool’s annual Public Health Report has revealed the important role of arts and culture in our wellbeing.
As the city marks the anniversary of hosting Eurovision and prepares to welcome pop mega star Taylor Swift to Anfield, the report pinpoints the importance of Liverpool’s thriving cultural sector in helping the council’s public health team to reach a wider audience – promoting healthier lifestyles and the health and wellbeing offers available to city residents.
A key example was the Eurovision community programme, which saw a host of singing classes take place in schools and nursing homes across the city region.
The report, which has been praised in the Association of Directors of Public Health Annual report for its accessibility, also reveals the pressing need for the Public Health team to work with city communities to develop new approaches.
Collaborations with people on the ground in our communities is just one example of this, having an impact on vaccination uptake, improving mental health and raising awareness of a range of health issues.
Councils across the country are required to produce annual reports to detail the state of Public Health in their area. In Liverpool, the report is set within the context of the Health 2040 report.
Also released this year, Health 2040 details the stark picture of Liverpool’s collective health, and how the city must respond to health challenges to prevent reduced life expectancy and extended periods of ill health for residents.
Councillor Harry Doyle, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: “Liverpool Public Health and Culture Liverpool have built an outstanding partnership in recent years to improve the lives of people in our communities.
“Huge events like Eurovision and the River of Light Festival provided an opportunity for teams to work together to promote health messages to improve health and wellbeing.
“Challenges still remain for people living in deprived areas of the city, which is why we need to continue working with our communities to reduce inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of all residents.”
Matthew Ashton, the director of public health at Liverpool City Council who led on the report, added: “2023 was a year in which the importance of culture in Liverpool was thrown into full focus – and the Public Health team rose to the occasion, offering us new and innovative ways of reaching a wider audience of people with important messages about their health.
“However, Liverpool’s commitment to health extends beyond headline events in the face of ongoing challenges, including the cost of living, particularly affecting our most vulnerable communities.
“By listening to our community and working collaboratively, we aspire to develop targeted interventions to empower communities during these challenging times.”
(Image: Eva Rinaldi/Creative Commons)
