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.
In early 2024, Hartlepool Borough Council conducted a consultation of residents known as "The Big Conversation" which sought views on a range of topics, these views can be related to MSK.
Residents have raised issues surrounding modifiable risk factors and co-morbidities and the support around modifying the risk and being supported with co-morbidities such as mental health conditions.
A question on what would make Hartlepool a better place to live for example had responses such as:
“Better mental health services. A multi-agency one-stop-shop to deal with people with complex needs. Secondary mental health services need to improve.”
Respondents also made a number of references to various inequalities, particularly in respect of healthy diets and healthy lifestyles (or lack thereof).
“There are loads of takeaways throughout the town and it is often cheaper to have unhealthy food than healthy. More education about healthy food to children and families. There are a lot of very overweight people in our town.” Survey respondent (what would improve your health and wellbeing)
“…Let people who know about food help to teach the young generation to cook. You can live on low income if you understand how to cook. I can make meals that are nutritious with three ingredients. You do not need celeb cooks to teach…” Survey respondent (what would improve your health and wellbeing)
The need for better facilities and a greater range of sport and leisure activities was highlighted by many respondents. Respondents commented that this would promote and enhance their health and wellbeing. Respondents said they wanted both formal sports and leisure activities, as well as informal self-led activities.
“Better/modern sporting facilities with full size sports hall.” Survey respondent (what would make Hartlepool a better place to live)
“Provide further opportunities for wellbeing activities to take place on late afternoons/evenings for residents who work full time.” Survey respondent (what would improve your health and wellbeing)
“Feeling safe when visiting local parks etc. More activities/hobby opportunities made available on an evening/weekend.” Survey respondent (what would improve your health and wellbeing)
Some respondents put forward suggestions as to how some of these inequalities could be reduced. These commonly focussed on education, particularly around food (making healthy choices, learning how to cook, healthy food versus takeaways) and money (help with budgeting).
“Help to live successful lives – learn how to cook a meal, manage money. Need to learn these skills but from the right person. A lot of people are experiencing stress and poor mental health due to money worries but some of this could be helped quite easily if people had access to these kinds of life skills e.g. not understanding that takeaways and junk food are more expensive and less healthy than cooking for yourself and that this needn’t be difficult” Face to face group response (what would make Hartlepool a better place to live)
There is a high rate of hip fractures in over 65s in Hartlepool. Residents have expressed concern over factors that may be risk factors of hip fractures such as housing. Similarly, residents would like improved access to facilities which can improve overall health including frailty and bone health.
“Improved hospital facilities locally (travelling out of town is difficult and worrying for disabled people) More GP's and dental services.” Survey respondent (what would improve your health and wellbeing)
Similarly, quite a lot of respondents requested more housing options for elderly and disabled people, including bungalows and adapted properties.
“Better access to pavements for wheelchairs. A bungalow so I didn't have to sleep on a reclining chair.” Survey respondent (what would make Hartlepool a better place to live)
“Living in a warm and comfortable home with adaptive disability needs for OUR disabilities.” Survey respondent (what would improve your health and wellbeing)
“…New houses seem to be the priority at the moment with estates extending more and more. What about the older generation? Trying to find a bungalow is impossible and none of the new developments offer bungalows as part of their estates. Affordable housing for over 60s needs to be a priority with the numbers in this age category rising...” Survey respondent (how can we work together to make a difference)
Residents have expressed that there is a need for better / easier access to health services and have provided examples of how inequalities can be reduced.
When asked for “..one thing that you think would make Hartlepool a better place to live in 5 years time…” 35 respondents said ‘Better / easier access to health services’.
Some respondents put forward suggestions as to how some of these inequalities could be reduced. These commonly focussed on education, particularly around food (making healthy choices, learning how to cook, healthy food versus takeaways) and money (help with budgeting).
“Help to live successful lives – learn how to cook a meal, manage money. Need to learn these skills but from the right person. A lot of people are experiencing stress and poor mental health due to money worries but some of this could be helped quite easily if people had access to these kinds of life skills e.g. not understanding that takeaways and junk food are more expensive and less healthy than cooking for yourself and that this needn’t be difficult” Face to face group response (what would make Hartlepool a better place to live)