What is Public Health

What is Public Health, why we are part of the council, what we pay for and what our priorities are.

Public Health in Newcastle is about helping everyone live longer, healthier, and happier lives—no matter who they are or where they live. It focuses on stopping illness before it starts, making things fairer, and helping communities take charge of their own health. The goal is for people to live well at every stage of life.

Our vision for public health

To make Newcastle a fairer and healthier city where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Why is public health part of the council?

Many things that affect our health—like housing, education, jobs, transport, and the environment—are shaped by decisions made by the council. That’s why public health is part of the council. It allows us to work with different departments and local partners to create the right conditions for good health.

What does public health pay for?

We fund (commission) a wide range of services and work closely with them to make sure they meet the needs of our communities. These services include:

  • Healthy Child Programme (ages 0–19)
  • Start for Life initiatives
  • NHS Health Checks
  • Specialist Stop Smoking Services
  • Sexual Health Services
  • Support for drug and alcohol issues
  • Health and wellbeing services

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