Consultation and Engagement
This section is used to summarise the views of the public, dedicated groups and service users. It can make use of formal assessment of views, such as obtained from surveys, feedback meetings and focus groups.
Strategic Issue 1
There is a strong demand for initiatives that improve skills and education, particularly for young people, to enhance employability and job readiness. (Hartlepool Inclusive Growth Strategy and Big Conversation)
Consultees have also highlighted the issue of young people leaving the area for opportunities to upskill and for skilled jobs.
“I would also like to see a greater retention of young, skilled people choosing to remain in the town” (Business Survey Response)
Strategic Issue 2
Residents and businesses have expressed the need for more support for local enterprises, including financial assistance and business development services (Hartlepool Inclusive Growth Strategy and Big Conversation).
“Investment in businesses and services/infrastructure.”
“Reduce rates to encourage more businesses”
“Large community of local independent businesses, like the biz but on a much bigger scale .......like the shopping centre”
“attract businesses with a business rates discount scheme.”
“Some way of getting more opportunities for all, small business getting lots of support”
(Big Conversation Responses on “What would make Hartlepool a Better Place to Live)
Strategic Issue 3
Public feedback highlights the importance of mental health support services to help individuals overcome barriers to employment (Hartlepool Inclusive Growth Strategy and Big Conversation)
“I think that the council needs to take more responsibility for, and invest more money in, improving the mental health services and the provision available for the people of Hartlepool” (Business Survey Response)
Strategic Issue 4
There has been limited local engagement and consultation into workplace health but Insights from wider Engagement nationally and other sources are as follows:
- mental health is a recurring concern, especially post-pandemic. Workers report stress, anxiety, and lack of access to timely support
- health inequalities are pronounced in Hartlepool, with deprived communities facing more barriers to workplace wellbeing
- smoking and inactivity remain prevalent, with calls for more employer-led health promotion
- workplace culture and leadership engagement are critical—employees value when employers actively support wellbeing