In Newcastle, where you live can affect how long—and how well—you live. Life expectancy isn’t the same across the city, and not everyone has the same chances to live a healthy life.
But health is about more than just doctors and hospitals. It’s shaped by the conditions we grow up and live in like our homes, transport, income, and environment. These are the building blocks of good health.
That’s why we’re working to reduce health inequalities and build a fairer Newcastle for everyone.
Becoming a Marmot City
We’re inspired by the work of Professor Sir Michael Marmot and the Institute of Health Equity. That’s why we’re aiming to become a Marmot City, a place where fairness and health are at the centre of everything we do.
We recently held a Marmot Conference in Newcastle, bringing together partners from across the city to plan how we can take action together.
Read the Marmot Briefing for Newcastle (PDF 453KB)
You can join the Health Equity Network. It's a free UK-wide platform for anyone working to reduce health inequalities and promote health equity. Connect with others, share ideas, and access webinars, events, and resources. Sign up for the Health Equity Network.
Health equity in all policies
As part of our Marmot City journey, we’re using a Health Equity in All Policies approach. This means:
- Including health and fairness in decisions across all areas, like transport, housing, education, and jobs.
- Working together across the council and with partners to make sure every policy and service supports better health.
- Focusing on prevention by tackling the root causes of poor health, not just treating illness.
- Listening to communities and involving residents in shaping the decisions that affect their health and wellbeing.
Our goal is to make Newcastle a city where everyone, no matter their background or postcode, has the chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Community health champions
We’re working with the Health Champions Network to refresh its role as part of our Marmot City plans. This means new opportunities are coming for residents to help shape healthier, fairer communities.
We’ll update this page soon. In the meantime, if you’re interested or want to learn more, please email communitychampions@newcastle.gov.uk or call 0191 211 5055.