BRAINTREE Council has agreed on a four-year plan to reduce health inequalities and improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for children, families and adults in the district.

The council approved its 2024 to 2028 'Livewell' strategy at a cabinet meeting on January 22.

The strategy is based on six themes of the Livewell model - Start Well, Stay Well, Feel Well, Be Well, Age Well and Die Well.

It aims to build on the current foundations of health and wellbeing in the district and identify any gaps which need to be filled.

The strategy also identifies local population needs, key priorities and what actions should be taken to reduce health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing of residents.

Some of the key health priorities highlighted in the strategy include tackling obesity, increasing activity, addressing frailty and improving mental health and wellbeing for residents.

It is hoped that people in the Braintree district will be given more opportunities to make healthy lifestyle choices and know where to access services which support their health and wellbeing.

Council health and wellbeing boss Lynette Bowers-Flint said: “The health and wellbeing of the residents in our district is a huge priority for us, and this strategy is a comprehensive plan to ensure that our residents feel they have the adequate access and opportunities to live a healthy life.

“We want to move beyond treating health conditions, and by focusing on prevention and early intervention we hope to create an environment where everyone has the right facilities available to them to actively participate in improving their own health and wellbeing.”