Public health and staying well

Our vision is to prevent and reduce health inequalities. This will protect and improve the health and wellbeing of everyone who lives and works in Reading.

A wide range of factors have an impact on our physical and mental health and wellbeing so everyone has a role to play. Good health relies on secure housing, adequate education, worthwhile employment, feeling part of the community. The role of the council is to influence each of these factors to protect and improve the health of local communities. We work to ensure easy access to services for everyone. We aim to make the healthiest choice the easiest choice. We work with communities and their representatives to support individuals to take responsibility for their own health. This will lead to everyone living connected, fulfilled and productive lives.

The links below are the main areas of work that will achieve this vision.

Stubbed out cigarette.

Stop smoking support

Smoking is responsible for one in four cancer deaths in the UK and is a major cause of heart disease and strokes. Time to quit? More information here.
Two women sat at a table in a park.

Mental health and wellbeing

Free mental health and wellbeing workshops with Compass Recovery College.
Somene washing their hands.

Protecting our health

Advice on some of the common illnesses in the area and how to protect yourself and family from them.
Coins falling on a table.

Money Matters

Money worries can lead to mental and physical illness. There is advice here to help tackle money issues.
Older man and woman doing sit-ups.

Keeping active

Why physical activity can help keep you fit and well in body and mind.
Glasses of wine on a table.

Support with drugs and alcohol

Recovery-focussed advice and services to support people to take control of their recovery journey.
People preparing food around a table.

Community Health Champions

Residents who help their community with important health information and feedback on how things could be improved.
Charts on laptop screen.

Annual Public Health Report 2024

How we are going to tackle the health issues in Reading.
Printed charts with hands with pens pointing at them.

Health and Wellbeing Strategy (HWBS) 2021-2030

Identifying 5 key areas over a ten-year view. Understanding that we need a long-term perspective in order to drive real change on the underlying causes of poor health and wellbeing.
Printed chart with a pen pointing at it.

Public health data and intelligence

The data we use to identify health issues we are going to tackle.
Shows arm of someone having their blood pressure taken.

NHS health checks

Get a check to find out about preventable diseases.
Contraceptive tablets.

Sexual health

Advice on sexual health services and emergency contraception.
Woman in white coat standing by woman seated on a sofa holding a baby.

0-19 public health service

Information about services for chidlren and young people.
Shows arm of someone having their blood pressure taken.

How to access the NHS

When to use local NHS services.
Two women sat at a table preparing vegetables.

Eating well

Information on how the types of food we eat impact our health and wellbeing.
Two women sitting on a sofa.

Suicide prevention

Berkshire’s suicide prevention strategy for 2021-2026.
Woman blowing her nose.

Seasonal wellness

Specific advice linked to how the time of year affects your health and wellbeing.
Last updated on 19/02/2025