Your voice counts: Stepney Green Event

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets undertook research on health and wellbeing priorities in the borough through a community engagement event at the Harford Centre on 4 August 2016. They spoke to 157 people, including 107 adults and 50 children, to gather views that would inform the Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the development of local health and care services.

Children demonstrated a strong understanding of healthy lifestyles, frequently identifying fruit, vegetables, exercise and outdoor activities as important for staying healthy. They particularly valued parks, playgrounds and opportunities to be active outdoors, while many said that parents had the greatest influence on their health choices. Adults also highlighted the importance of physical activity, social connections, green spaces and spending time with family and friends in maintaining good health. 

A recurring theme was concern about environmental factors affecting health. Participants praised local parks and open spaces but raised concerns about air pollution, traffic, overcrowding and the high number of fast-food outlets. People also called for more support to encourage healthy lifestyles, greater awareness of urgent care services and better information about how to access the right health services. Hospital services, housing and employment, prevention of ill health, mental health and support for older people were identified as key spending priorities.

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets recommended increasing support for healthy eating and physical activity, encouraging community-led health initiatives, improving public information about urgent care and local services, addressing air quality concerns, strengthening partnerships with housing organisations and involving residents more closely in the design of services. The report also highlighted the value of regular community engagement events to ensure local people help shape health and wellbeing priorities in the borough.