ONE week remains for Essex residents to share their views on the future of health and wellbeing across the county.

The emerging Essex Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2026–2029) is being designed by the Essex Health and Wellbeing Board, led by Essex County Council.

It is the product of work across the system, involving the NHS and other health partners, local and county councils and other agencies like the police.

The strategy sets out a shared vision for health partners, highlighting the key priorities needed to help people in Essex live healthier, happier lives.

The strategy looks beyond healthcare to the wider factors that influence health. This includes jobs, housing, education, transport and the environment.

Residents are being asked to share their views on four key priorities that will shape health and wellbeing in Essex. These are:

1. Improving life chances for children and young people – ensuring children grow up happy, safe and free from the effects of poverty
2. Helping more people into and stay in work – supporting employment and skills development for future opportunities
3. Building healthy, resilient and connected communities – creating places that promote health, connection and easy access to support
4. Creating opportunities to improve health and reduce the impact of poor health – encouraging healthy lifestyles, supporting mental wellbeing and reducing substance misuse

Councillor John Spence, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Integration at Essex County Council, said: “Our new Health and Wellbeing Strategy comes at a time of major change for Essex. Its purpose is to help health partners focus on what matters most, to improve health and wellbeing for residents in Essex.

“By working together and addressing issues like housing, education and jobs, we can build a healthier and stronger Essex for the future.

“We want to hear your views on the key priorities we’ve set out, so please have your say and help shape the areas you think we should focus on as health partners.”

Essex residents can take part in the consultation until 3 February at https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/essexjhws-2026-29/