Quality of Life Foundation

We’re excited about the launch of the Local Government Association's latest guide: “Empowering Healthy Places: Unveiling the Powers and Practices of Local Councils in Fostering Healthy Neighbourhoods.” We’re proud to have partnered with Prior + Partners to develop this guide, commissioned by the LGA. It provides a comprehensive overview of how local councils can use their powers to create healthier communities. The report highlights case studies from: East Sussex County Council, Southampton City Council, Sheffield City Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. They showcase innovative approaches to improving #HealthAndWellbeing at the local level. The guide also advocates for more ambitious actions to further empower councils to lead in this crucial area, which the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government should consider in its current consultation on the #NPPF. As Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board states: “Councils play a vital role in shaping healthy neighbourhoods. This crucial new report provides a practical guide for councils to use their planning and public health powers effectively. It highlights innovative examples from across the country, offering valuable insights for both local and national action.” Check out the guide here: https://lnkd.in/e4C7Ni3d Or, if you would prefer, a PDF version here: https://lnkd.in/epQYArU5 #HealthyPlaces #QualityOfLife #CommunityWellbeing #PublicHealth #LocalGovernment #LocalGov #EnvironmentalHealth Lourdes Madigasekera-Elliott, James Cording, Rob Tabb, Amanda Pickard , Emily Hackett, Shaun Andrews, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Becky Mumford

Remember how our Quality of Life Symposium got rave reviews last year? Well.... it's back! And this time it's in Manchester. Will we see you there? With the new government focusing on the delivery of 1.5 million new homes, we'll be asking the vital question: 🏠 How can we go beyond 'housing by numbers' to create homes and neighbourhoods that genuinely enhance people's health and wellbeing? 👂 You'll get to hear from our fantastic speakers: - John Alker, Head of Sustainability, Legal & General (chair) - Sarah Greenwood, Assistant Director for Sustainability and Design, Homes England - Phil Marsden, Managing Director - North West, Muse - Dr. Deb Upadhyaya, Director, AtkinsRéalis - Susan Emmett, Social Value Director, Stantec - Katie Wray, Director, Deloitte - Paul Morris, Director, Civic Engineers - Shefali K., Director of Communities, Manchester City Council 🐠 And then you'll get to take part in the conversation by joining our fishbowl discussion. We are proud that the headline sponsor for this year’s symposium is Muse, a nationwide placemaker with 40 years of experience in creating mixed-use communities across the UK. We are also grateful to be supported by AtkinsRéalis and Stantec. 🎫 Find out more and register for free: https://lnkd.in/dFVGmnyQ #UKHousing #BuiltEnvironment #SocialImpact #CommunityEngagement #HealthAndWellbeing #HealthyCities #Manchester #ManchesterHousing #

Clarity, clarity, clarity. That seems to be the top line message coming from research into how health impact assessments can help to bring health into the development decision-making process without placing yet another burden on already overstretched local government officers. Great work from TRUUD (Tackling Root causes upstream of Unhealthy Urban Development) and Michael Chang, summarised in this article in The Developer and Festival of Place: https://lnkd.in/es-Wye58 #HealthyPlaces #HealthyDevelopment #BuiltEnvironment #PlanningPolicy #HIA #HealthImpactAssessment #LocalPlans #LocalPlanning #PublicHealth #HealthAndWellbeing

How can urban planning shape spaces that promote physical activity? How can policies facilitate the integration of leisure areas that encourage physical activity into daily life? Can these initiatives enhance public health and overall wellbeing in London, making city life both healthier and happier? These are all questions that will be explored in an upcoming NLA webinar inspired by our recent publication 'Creating health and wellbeing: A partnership approach to evidence-led planning'. We hoped this guidance, developed with our friends at Prior + Partners, would catalyse conversations about how planning can be used to create health. And it seems that's exactly what it's doing! You can find out more and register for the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/exjmEJWP And you can read the original guidance here: https://lnkd.in/eey7uUi5 #UrbanPlanning #PublicHealth #HealthyPlanning #HealthAndWellbeing #HealthyCities

📣 We're excited to welcome two new faces to the Quality of Life Foundation team! 📣 We've strengthened the charity's board by recruiting Richard Ford as a trustee. Richard's been involved in the real estate and built environment sector since 2001, on the finance, accounting and operations side, and has held senior roles both in practice and in various investment businesses. He also has experience in the not-for-profit sector, making him the perfect addition to our board of trustees. We're also welcoming John Bee to the team as one of QOLF Consulting's directors. John has over 20 years’ experience as a management consultant, helping organisations innovate and grow. He is passionate about social wellbeing, and has worked with housing charities, NHS trusts and universities to increase their community impact. We're really to have him on board as we continue to develop our consultancy work. You can find out more about our whole team here: https://lnkd.in/d_SADEdq #CharityTrustees #BoardMembers #Welcome #BuiltEnvironment #UKHousing #Team

We are deeply saddened and angered by the racist violence happening across the UK. There is no place for such hate in any context. We stand in solidarity with the people and communities targeted in these attacks. And we will continue to champion inclusivity in all that we do. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.

👏 "The Government is committed to taking action on public health and reducing health inequalities. Local planning authorities are already able to develop policies to support local strategies to improve health and wellbeing, but there is considerable variation in the extent to which they do so. We want to consider ways in which the planning system can do more to support the creating of healthy communities." 👏 There is a lot to take in and consider when it comes to the new government's consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. But one thing's for certain: we are pleased to see the above paragraph in the consultation. Planning has such an important role to play in supporting health and wellbeing, and its wonderful to see the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government recognising that. We're looking forward to getting stuck into our response...and seeing what happens next. You know this already, but you can find the consultation here: https://lnkd.in/gqPzydtq #HealthAndWellbeing #HealthInequalities #HealthEquity #PlanningForHealth #NPPF #PlanningPolicy #LocalGov

How can councils maximise their chances of success in achieving positive health and wellbeing in their communities? In her latest blog, our external affairs manager Emma Cooke emphasises the importance of taking an upstream approach. By embedding health and wellbeing goals into the corporate strategy or adopting a 'health in all policies' approach, councils can ensure these factors are integral to the planning process and other strategic decisions, influencing outcomes from the outset. But it's never too late to address health and wellbeing through planning. Read the blog to find out more: https://lnkd.in/e2Jr_KDv #HealthAndWellbeing #Planning #PublicHealth #LocalGov #LovalGovernment #TownPlanning #UrbanPlanning #SpatialPlanning #QualityOfLife #HealthCreation #CreatingHealth

Ever wondered who you need to connect with to bring your vision of health and wellbeing-focused neighbourhoods to life? Check out the diagram below from our new guide, ‘Creating Health and Wellbeing: A Partnership Approach to Evidence-Led Planning and Design in Our Cities, Towns, and Villages’. It maps out the intricate web of organisations essential for achieving positive health and wellbeing outcomes locally. Yes, it might look busy and overwhelming, but the key takeaway? Planners are not alone! This diagram shows the many teams, directorates, and organisations that are all ready to support you. Explore the full-size diagram and read the guidance here: https://lnkd.in/eey7uUi5 With thanks to our friends and collaborators at Prior + Partners. #UrbanPlanning #PublicHealth #LocalGovernment #HealthAndWellbeing #SustainableCommunities #CommunityHealth #CityPlanning #EvidenceBasedPlanning #QualityOfLife #PlanningStrategy #HealthyCities #LocalAuthorities #UrbanDevelopment #EnvironmentalHealth #Wellbeing

🚀 Exciting launch: new guidance empowers councils to integrate health and wellbeing into planning. We're pleased to announce the release of our new guidance, designed to help local planning authorities seamlessly incorporate health and wellbeing into their planning efforts. We developed ‘Creating health and wellbeing: A partnership approach to evidence-led planning and design in our cities, towns and villages’ with our friends at Prior + Partners. 📘 Why this guide matters:  This comprehensive resource aims to bridge the gap between planning and public health, providing councillors and council officers with actionable insights to foster healthier, more sustainable communities. 🛠️ Key features: - Evidence-based approaches: Practical tools and strategies to inform decision-making. - Collaborative framework: A useful diagram showcasing the network of organisations and partners involved in holistic health and wellbeing delivery. - Real-world applications: Inspiring case studies demonstrating successful integration of health principles into planning. 🌟 Endorsements: Councillor David Fothergill, chair of the Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board said: “This publication is incredibly useful as it provides clear guidance and evidence-based tools for councils to shape healthier, more equitable communities. The innovative case studies throughout the publication highlight the vital role of planning in addressing health inequalities and cultivating healthier environments.” Darrell Gale, Chair of the The Association Of Directors of Public Health (UK) Healthy Places Advisory Group said:  “Public health teams across the country are working with their colleagues in planning, and other departments, as well as the local community, to create environments that promote good health and wellbeing. This helpful guide has brought together evidence-based tools and real-life examples to showcase the very best of what can be achieved by working in partnership like this at a local level.” Join us in leveraging this essential guide to enhance the quality of life for communities and create thriving, healthy environments: https://lnkd.in/eey7uUi5 #UrbanPlanning #PublicHealth #LocalGovernment #HealthAndWellbeing #SustainableCommunities #CommunityHealth #EvidenceBasedPlanning #QualityOfLife #PlanningStrategy #HealthyCities #LocalAuthorities #UrbanDevelopment #Wellbeing #BuiltEnvironment Matthew Morgan Shaun Andrews Jordan Whitewood-Neal Becky Mumford Emma Cooke