Residents are being encouraged to get their blood pressure checked in a new initiative at Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries.

As part of Blood Pressure UK’s annual Know Your Numbers Week, held this year from 7 to 13 September, people can check their blood pressure at a dedicated ‘pressure station’ in any of the county’s 44 libraries.

People with undiagnosed and uncontrolled high blood pressure are more at risk from serious health issues such as stroke and heart attack.

Pressure stations will be available to anybody to use, whether they have been asked to do so by a doctor, or simply curious.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so the only way to know if your reading is high is to have it checked to lower your risk of serious health issues.

“Our libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces at the heart of communities across Oxfordshire, so they are a natural place to host these free pressure stations. This is a completely free and easy way to check your blood pressure, just drop into one of our libraries during the week where teams will be on hand to help. It takes just a couple of minutes but could change your life.”

The initiative was coordinated by Alet Ransom, Primary Care Network Pharmacy Technician and Cardiovascular Disease Champion, who worked alongside Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team and library service to develop the pressure stations and make it easier for people to check their blood pressure in familiar community settings.

She said: “I’m immensely proud to have helped bring this project from an idea into reality.

“The aim was always to make it easier for people, whether library users or visitors to the area, to ‘know their numbers’ and, where needed, take the next step towards looking after their cardiovascular health. 

“Knowing that the project is now being taken forward and rolled out across the county’s libraries is hugely rewarding, and I’m excited that it will give many more people the opportunity to access this simple but potentially life-changing service.”

Anyone found to have a high reading will be offered advice on simple steps they can take and encouraged to seek further support from their GP or local pharmacy if needed.

Residents can find their nearest library and check opening times on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

Find out more about the Know Your Numbers Week campaign by visiting Blood Pressure UK’s website.

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Academics, policymakers and community leaders in Oxfordshire came together on 15 July to celebrate the success and share insights and findings from the third Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme.

Supported and introduced by the Local Policy Lab’s Chief Scientific Advisors, the current cohort of 16 Fellows shared their project plans, research and outcomes at a showcase at the Blavatnik School of Government.

The Local Policy Lab, an alliance between Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University. It gives students and researchers the chance to work with local communities and understand how policy affects people in Oxfordshire.

Professor Adam Briggs, Deputy Director of Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council and programme policy partner, said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this programme is seeing students get out of the classroom to embrace the complexity of local government, including the changing landscape of local government reorganisation, and deliver projects that provide really practical ways forward for us to better understand and meet the needs of local communities.

“By exploring questions that matter to people’s everyday lives, from care and support to employment, skills and children’s early years, the fellows are helping us build stronger evidence for decisions that can make a real difference to people across Oxfordshire.”

Aileen Marshall-Brown, Head of Engagement for the Social Sciences Division, University of Oxford, said: “For the fellows, this is an opportunity to apply their research skills to real policy questions, learn more about how evidence is used in practice, and work across institutional and professional boundaries.”

This year’s research projects brought together knowledge from many areas, including psychology, public policy, education, computing and law, and looked at important local issues such as adult social care, children’s early years, green skills, employment and more:

• Measuring What Matters: Identifying Practical Approaches to Evaluating Community Capacity Grants for Grassroot Organisations, by Freya Cole Norton and Ishbel Anderson

• Beyond the Front Door: Equity and Experience in Adult Social Care in OCC, Belen Tomic Perez and Ruben Moss-Keys

• Beyond Counting Conversations: Developing a Meaningful Evaluation Framework for Making Every Contact Count (MECC) in Oxfordshire, by Neha Bhuvarahan and Nandini Bohra

• Mapping Green-Skills Provision Across Oxfordshire, by Khin Oo Thazin and Anna Luiza Barbosa

• Understanding the Impact of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on Young People's Engagement in Education, Employment and Training, by Nafisa Salsabil Zaman and Valter Manuel Gomes Neto

• Making the Invisible Visible: The Assessment of Harmful Parental Conflict in Children's Services, by Cameron Tan and Charlotte Mason

• Towards Meaningful Outcomes for Families, Children & the System: Evaluating the Adult-Facing Practitioner Role in Domestic Abuse Interventions, by Raquel de Almeida Lima and Otilia Rose-Marie Meden

• Best Start in Life – Good Levels of Development in Oxfordshire, by Pippa Naegeli-Evans and Yasmin Arnould

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Partners from across Oxfordshire came together at an event last Friday, 10 July, to share learning, celebrate community led action and strengthen efforts to tackle health inequalities across the county.

The event, held at Unipart House in Oxford, also marked the launch of Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Annual Report 2026. The report reflects on progress since the inaugural report back in 2020, and highlights the importance of partnership working, community insight and local action in improving health outcomes.

Bringing together colleagues from local government, health organisations, and the voluntary and community sector, the event focused on how services and communities can work together to reduce inequalities and improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This annual report shows both the progress we have made over the past five years and the importance of continuing to work together to tackle health inequalities in Oxfordshire.

“While there is more to do, it is encouraging to see the difference strong partnership working can make in supporting healthier lives and stronger communities.

“The launch event was a valuable opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved so far, share learning, and renew our collective focus on the work ahead.”

Speakers reflected on the progress made over the past five years, as well as the challenges that remain, while also exploring Oxfordshire’s Marmot Place journey so far, practical examples of community led work, and the growing role of Community Health Development Officers in helping local people shape solutions that meet the needs of their communities.

The event also looked at how district councils, voluntary and community organisations, and local partners are contributing to place-based approaches that build on community strengths and gave participants the opportunity to share ideas on how to build on this work in future.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “I was pleased to welcome colleagues and partners from district and city councils, healthcare settings, and voluntary and community organisations to the launch event in Oxford.

“My annual report is an important opportunity to look back on five years of work to reduce health inequalities in Oxfordshire and to be honest about where challenges remain.

“Five years on from my first annual report, ‘Some are more equal than others’, it shows that change is possible, but it does not happen quickly or by chance. It takes sustained action, strong local partnerships, and a clear focus on the communities most affected by poorer health outcomes.

“The learning shared during the event will help inform the next phase of this work across the county, as partners continue working together to improve health and wellbeing for all residents.”

Back in 2019, the Index of Multiple Deprivation data identified ten communities in Oxfordshire with small areas among the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. The most recent data, published in October 2025, shows this has fallen to eight.

Find out more on the Director of Public Health Annual Report website.

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Children and young people are at the heart of ongoing efforts to create a fairer future for all in the county, as Oxfordshire County Council commits to acting on the findings of a recent report by the Institute of Health Equity, as part of becoming a Marmot Place.

The report, Starting stronger, fairer futures in Oxfordshire, sets out clear evidence that while people in Oxfordshire generally live longer and healthier lives than the national average, outcomes are not experienced equally, with significant differences between communities.

It brings together data alongside insight from local partners and communities and recognises the strong foundation of work already under way across Oxfordshire, while also noting that further action is needed to ensure that support reaches those who need it most and is delivered at the right scale.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Oxfordshire is a county with many strengths, but this report outlines that not everyone has the same opportunities to live a healthy life.

“We welcome these findings. Tackling the inequalities highlighted in this report is a priority for this administration, and the evidence will help guide our next steps as we work with partners to reduce inequalities.

“Our aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has the chance to thrive.”

Matin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This report is an important milestone in our shared ambition to tackle health inequalities across Oxfordshire. It shows clearly that while overall outcomes are strong, there are unacceptable differences between and within communities that we must address.

“We are committed to working with partners across health, education, the voluntary and community sector, and local businesses to build on existing efforts and turn the report’s recommendations into clear and deliverable actions.

“This includes a particular focus on ensuring every child has the best start in life, strengthening early intervention, and addressing the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing.

“By working together, we can build a fairer Oxfordshire where every child and family has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity, said: “Oxfordshire has shown real leadership by becoming a Marmot Place. The IHE is now working with nearly 70 places across the country, including the whole of Scotland and Wales. We are building up a wealth of evidence on how to implement the eight principles for greater health equity. The task now for Oxfordshire is to build on the strong work already under way and create the conditions that allow all local residents to flourish, equitably.”

Work is already under way to develop detailed action plans that will translate the report’s recommendations into practical steps. These will focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families, and supporting healthier communities across the county.

Back in 2019, Index of Multiple Deprivation data identified ten communities in Oxfordshire with small areas in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the most recent data showed that this had reduced to eight.

More information

Oxfordshire is working with University College London’s Institute of Health Equity to understand the factors causing different health outcomes for our population. Health is impacted by many factors in life, such as having good quality homes, a stable income and good education, as well as lifestyle choices such as what we eat and how much exercise we take.  

Marmot places are local areas that adopt evidence-based principles and methodology developed by Sir Michael Marmot and his team, to tackle the causes of health inequalities.

Read the report in full by visiting the Institute of Health Equity's website.

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Over recent years, heatwaves have become increasingly frequent, posing significant risk to Oxfordshire residents in unsuitable housing. Without appropriate adaptations in homes, higher temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke, lung disease and severe mental illness.

In summer 2025, there were 1,504 heat-associated deaths in the UK. The council believes that these deaths are unnecessary and avoidable. Now experts estimate that more than 2,700 people may have died due to heatwaves in England and Wales so far this year.

Under the Warm Homes Local Grant, the council currently receives funding from central government to install adaptations in homes to retain heat in winter. However, there is no funding specifically designed to support the retrofit of homes that suffer from overheating.

Councillor Laura Gordon, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, said: “England recorded its warmest June on record, with another heatwave hitting just two weeks later. This is not a one-off occurrence, but a new reality to which the UK must adapt.

“This is also a health inequalities issue, where those most at risk from heatwaves are often least able to afford effective home adaptations to prevent overheating, while also being more likely to have pre-existing health conditions, mobility limitations or social isolation. Without targeted investment there is a risk that climate adaptation widens health inequalities.

“Oxfordshire County Council is already working to address risk, and this summer will launch its pilot Heat Safe Homes programme. This will provide advice through home visits, local cool home training, community engagement, and the provision of cool packs. We are calling for central government support to expand this work to the scale needed to meet the challenge.”

The council believes that the government should consider expanding this Warm Homes Local Grant to include a Cool Homes Grant to protect our most vulnerable residents from overheating in their homes.

This grant would be used to help install passive and active cooling measures in vulnerable homes that are unable to afford them. External window shutters, blinds, improved ventilation, awnings, and air conditioning could all support these homes to be safe and liveable in summer.

The council has also called for the government to review current planning policies and building regulations which are currently constraining the uptake of external shading and ventilation measures.

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Residents are being encouraged to take a few minutes this Alcohol Awareness Week to check in with their drinking and find out what help is available, if needed.

As part of Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from 6 to 12 July, Oxfordshire County Council is highlighting local drug and alcohol services and encouraging residents to think about the role alcohol plays in their lives.

This year’s theme, “alcohol and me”, focuses on helping people reflect without judgement on their own habits, the wider pressures that can influence drinking, and small changes that can support better health and wellbeing.

The council is also highlighting the importance of early help for young people affected by drug and alcohol use, alongside services available for adults and families across Oxfordshire.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “Alcohol Awareness Week is a helpful opportunity for people to pause and think about what feels right for them, their health and their wellbeing. This is not about telling people what to do. It is about making sure residents have clear information, practical tools and access to support if they want it.

“Small changes can make a real difference for some people, whether that is having more alcohol-free days, drinking a little less, or speaking to someone if alcohol is affecting day-to-day life. We want people in Oxfordshire to know that confidential, non-judgemental help is available.”

Adults aged 18 and over can access free, confidential support through Turning Point’s Oxfordshire Roads to Recovery, Oxfordshire’s local drug and alcohol service.

It offers advice, one-to-one recovery support, access to detoxification and residential rehabilitation where appropriate, drop-in sessions, group activities and help with wider issues such as employment and housing. Residents can call 01865 261690 or find their nearest hub in Oxford, Banbury, Didcot or Witney.

Children and young people can get free, confidential advice and support through Cranstoun Here4YOUth. The service supports young people in Oxfordshire aged eight to 25 affected by their own drug or alcohol use, or up to 18 if they’re affected by someone else’s.

They also support families where a parent or carer is using substances. Support can be provided online, by phone or in person at school, college, home or another place where the young person feels comfortable. People can call 01865 590825 or email here4youthox@cranstoun.org.uk.

Residents who want to better understand their drinking can also use DrinkCoach, a free and confidential online tool that provides a personalised score and advice in around two minutes. Eligible residents can also book free online coaching sessions with an alcohol specialist.

Alcohol Awareness Week is led annually by the charity Alcohol Change UK. Find out more by visiting the charity’s website.

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From rugby and museum trips to cookery lessons and camping, free activities are available for children across the county through Oxfordshire County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme this summer.

Open to all children aged four to sixteen in receipt of free school meals, the programme offers up to sixteen sessions of enriching activities over the summer holidays.

Each session lasts at least four hours and includes at least 60 minutes of physical activity, practical advice on eating well, and a healthy meal.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This programme provides free activities and meals for more than 18,000 children and young people in Oxfordshire who are eligible for free school meals and is something we have introduced in response to the closure of the national Holiday Free School Meal voucher scheme. It helps support children’s health and wellbeing while reducing holiday hunger and social isolation and is just another example of how we are working to tackle health inequalities across the county.

“By taking part in activities such as these, children can build confidence, try new things and stay engaged during the holidays, while they can also give families extra support and access to opportunities they might not otherwise have. Sign up now!”

Activities include sport, arts and crafts, museum visits, science, outdoor adventures, nature-based learning and cookery sessions.

Sessions are being delivered by local organisations in communities across Oxfordshire, with a wide range of options available to suit different ages and interests.

Families can find and book activities by visiting the HAF platform, where eligibility will be checked automatically against existing records. The website includes full details of the activities available in different areas of the county.

Anyone with questions about the programme can email HAF@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

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Pupils in Oxfordshire are arriving at school better prepared to learn, thanks to a county council funded healthy snacks project that is improving wellbeing, behaviour and attendance.

Funded through the council’s wider cost of living programme, the initiative supported four secondary schools in 2025/26 - The Oxford Academy, North Oxfordshire Academy, Cheney School and Henry Box School - with £25,000 to ensure children from low income households are not going hungry during the school day.

The scheme provides targeted early support for pupils while helping schools identify those arriving without having eaten. This enables sensitive safeguarding conversations and more tailored support for families.

The project forms part of the council’s wider package of support for residents facing ongoing financial pressures, with more than 219,000 interventions delivered across Oxfordshire in 2025/26 to help households with essentials such as food and energy.

Schools are already reporting clear improvements in behaviour and engagement. At Cheney School, Deputy Head Louise Elias said: “Self-referrals to the behaviour team for food related issues at the start of Period 1 have dropped to zero. Students are arriving at their first lessons settled and ready to learn.”

Clare Forder, Deputy Head at The Oxford Academy, added: “The community served by the school really needs support with access to food, particularly fruit and vegetables, as there is such a strong correlation between deprivation and poor school outcomes.”

Feedback from pupils at Henry Box School has shown the scheme is helping young people feel safe and supported, while North Oxfordshire Academy has reported a “transformative impact” on student wellbeing, safeguarding, attendance and engagement.

Cllr Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “During uncertain times and amid continuing cost of living crisis, too many families are facing impossible choices. In Oxfordshire, around 10 per cent of children are living in poverty, and we know that hunger can have a real impact on a child’s experience at school.

“This project shows that something as simple as a healthy snack during the school day can make a meaningful difference. While it is concerning that something so small can have such a profound effect on a child’s education and wellbeing, it also underlines why practical, compassionate support like this matters so much for children and families across our communities.”

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That’s the verdict of, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, Ansaf Azhar, in his new annual report, looking at progress made countywide since his first report, back in 2019, which focused on tackling health inequalities.

Back in 2019, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data identified 10 communities in Oxfordshire with small areas in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the most recent data showed that this has reduced to eight.

“Five years on from my first annual report, ‘Some are more equal than others,’ this year’s report is a moment to pause, reflect and, most importantly, to be clear about what comes next,” said Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health for Oxfordshire County Council.

“The latest data shows encouraging signs in areas where sustained, targeted effort has been focused, particularly in wards  that have faced the greatest disadvantage. That matters, because it tells us that long term, locally grounded work is beginning to influence the wider conditions that shape people’s health.

“It’s vital to be clear and honest about what the data does and does not tell us. This is about correlation, not simple cause and effect. No single programme or organisation can claim credit for these shifts. But what we can say with confidence is that where partners have worked together, listened to communities, and invested consistently over time, we are starting to see movement in the right direction.

“At the same time, the picture across the county is mixed. Some areas outside our original ten priority communities have worsened slightly, albeit from a much higher starting point of affluence. That reinforces a crucial point: inequality is not static, and progress in one place does not mean the job is done elsewhere. This is exactly why nuanced interpretation of the data matters, and why a countywide, Marmot informed approach is so important.

“One of the most powerful lessons of the last five years has been the value of understanding places properly. Our community insight profiles brought together data, lived experience and local asset mapping, giving us a far richer picture than statistics alone ever could. They showed us why approaches need to look different in places even when communities are facing similar challenges.

“None of this has been achieved by public health working in isolation. The progress described in this report belongs to a wide partnership across the county. Reducing inequalities is collective work, and it only succeeds when responsibility, learning and commitment are shared.

“My biggest concern now is timing. This is not the moment to take our foot off the gas. The gains we are seeing are fragile, and without sustained investment we risk losing momentum, eroding trust, and undoing years of careful relationship building in communities that need stability most.

“Oxfordshire’s commitment to being a Marmot County gives us a real opportunity to build on what we have learnt and scale this approach beyond the original ten communities, reaching people across the whole county, including, crucially, rural areas. But Marmot is not a badge; it’s a commitment to long‑term, preventative action on the root causes of inequality. That means sticking with what works, protecting investment, and continuing to put communities at the heart of decision making.

“My call to action is simple: use this evidence, back partnership working, and help us keep going at the very moment when progress is starting to show.”

This year’s annual report is also different in how it’s shared. By moving to a more accessible, interactive online format, more people – residents, partners and practitioners alike – can explore the evidence, understand the story behind the data, and see how local action connects to countywide ambition.

The director of public health annual report will be formally launched at a countywide learning and celebration event in May, bringing partners together to reflect on progress, share learning and look ahead to the next phase of work to reduce health inequalities across Oxfordshire.

Find out more by visiting the dedicated Director of Public Health Annual Report website. 

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Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and early death and is a major driver of health inequalities.

The new Oxfordshire Tobacco Control Strategy (2026 - 2030) brings together partners across health, local government, and the voluntary sector with a shared ambition to continue work to make Oxfordshire a smokefree county - defined as smoking prevalence below five per cent.

Launched to coincide with No Smoking Day, which was marked on 11 March, the strategy focuses on five key areas: working in partnership, preventing uptake, supporting smokers to quit, creating smokefree environments, and regulation and enforcement. Together, these aim to protect children and young people, support people who want to stop smoking, and ensure everyone can live healthier lives free from the harms of tobacco.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our new Tobacco Control Strategy sets out a clear, ambitious plan to help people in Oxfordshire stop smoking and to prevent the next generation from ever starting.

“Tobacco use continues to drive unfair health inequalities across our communities, and tackling it is central to our commitment to improving public health. By working with our partners and supporting residents to quit, we can move closer to a smokefree Oxfordshire.”

The strategy builds on previous progress in reducing smoking rates locally, while recognising that continued action is needed to support those most affected by smoking‑related harm, including people living in more deprived communities and those with long‑term health conditions.

There is a wealth of free local support available to help smokers take the first step towards quitting, including expert advice and stop smoking aids, through the county council’s local stop smoking service, SmokeFree Oxfordshire.

Find out what support is available to quit for good by visiting SmokeFree Oxfordshire’s website, freephone 0800 772 3673 or texting QUITOXON to 66777.

The Oxfordshire Tobacco Control Strategy 2026 to 2030 is available to read in full on the county council’s website.

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The gap between some of the most deprived and least deprived communities in Oxfordshire appears to be narrowing, according to recent Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data.

In 2019, the IMD showed that there were 10 communities in Oxfordshire that had small areas identified as being in the 20 per cent most deprived nationally. In October 2025, the new release of the IMD data showed that this has reduced to eight

Since the publication of the 2019/20 Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health Annual Report (DPHAR), which focused on inequalities and deprivation across ten communities in the county, there has been a marked focus on collaborative efforts to reduce inequalities in those areas.

In a joined up approach, the county council, city and district councils, the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire Integrated Care Board, and voluntary and community sector organisations have been working together to tackle inequalities and improve health outcomes.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “There has been a clear commitment from local partners, community leaders, and the public to create a healthier, fairer future for all.

“My next director of public health annual report will reflect on five years of positive and sustained work in our community insight profile areas. The milestone of the release of new IMD data offers an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to tackling health inequalities, while celebrating achievements sharing learning from recent collaborations.”

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “While it is great to see progress made in tackling inequalities here in Oxfordshire, there remains a gap between the most and least deprived, more so particularly in some areas, so there is still plenty of work to do. Our continued work as a Marmot Place will also help to build on the progress already made to support the creation of  policies, strategies and services to minimise health inequalities. Together, we are building a healthier, more equal county: one where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.”

Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford, Oxford City Council, said: "It is pleasing to see that progress is being made in tackling health inequalities, one of the city council's key priorities. We are proud of the work we have done to support people to live well, particularly by focusing on community health. This includes working with local partners, including the NHS and Active Oxfordshire, such as our physical activity programmes, YouMove, Move Together and GO-Active, as well as health promotion events and local initiatives across the city."

Councillor Rachel Crouch, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, said: “Our hope is that this new data, and the spotlight it brings, will enable even stronger collaboration and greater investment to bring fairer opportunities to communities facing the biggest barriers to health and wellbeing. While inequalities still exist, the findings are encouraging and underline the importance of sustained action to support the people and places that need it most.”

Councillor Rob Pattenden, Cherwell District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “These profiles have allowed us to connect with local communities to get a clearer understanding of how we can better serve our residents, improve access to support, and make more informed decisions that make a meaningful difference.

“Through public health funding we have built stronger, more sustainable community services, with Insight Profiles providing the evidence needed to deliver projects like the Play Zones in Ruscote and Grimsbury. We’ve invested over £100,000 in projects to help to narrow inequalities, and we’ll continue working closely with partners and communities to keep this momentum going.”

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), compiled by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is the official measure of relative deprivation across England and includes indicators such as income, employment, health, education, crime, housing and living environment. All these factors can contribute to the wider determinants and building blocks of health.

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Smokers in and around Banbury who would like to quit can learn more about how to do this and make themselves feel calmer, brighter and healthier, as the South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) comes to Banbury Market on 15 January.

Stop smoking support advisors, Oxfordshire County Council officers and members of SESA will be out and about on 15 January between 10am and 3pm to spark conversations about wellbeing, and the link between quitting smoking and feeling better.

It forms part of a wider regional campaign that seeks to dispel myths around smoking being a way to relief stress.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and happiness. We want everyone in Oxfordshire to know that free support is available and taking that first step could lead to a brighter, healthier future for you and your loved ones. If you want to take the next step, do take advantage and speak to a member of the team!”

Dr Sarah Milne, Lead of the South East Smokefree Alliance, said: “So many people believe smoking helps them cope with stress, but the truth is the opposite. Nicotine tricks your brain into thinking you need it to feel calm, when in fact it’s stealing your happiness and resilience.

“We recognise that people have other stresses and challenges in their lives though the evidence is clear that if you are receiving support for a mental health problem or major challenge, quitting smoking can help you through this.”

The market stall will also feature activities and conversation starters to get people thinking and smiling.

The activities are part of a mass media campaign funded by 18 councils in the south east of England that explains in simple terms how quitting allows the brain to produce dopamine naturally again, helping people feel calmer, brighter and less stressed within weeks.

Stop Smoking, Feel Happier forms part of SESA’s wider mission to make the south east a smokefree region by 2030. Over 846,000 adults in the south east smoke, costing thousands of lives every year and deepening health inequalities, particularly among people with mental health challenges and those in manual or routine jobs.

Thousands of people in Oxfordshire successfully quit with the free support of their local stop smoking service each year and the service will be on hand in Banbury to share how they can help.

The council’s free stop smoking service, Smokefree Oxon also provides a range of support services to help residents quit, including aids, coaching and more. Find out more by visiting Smokefree Oxon’s website, by calling 0800 772 3673, or text QUITOXON to 66777.

More information

The South East Smokefree Alliance (SESA) represents 18 local authorities: Bracknell Forest, Brighton and Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth, Reading, Slough, Southampton, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Wokingham.

There are at least 846,787 adults who smoke across the south east – 10.6 per cent of the population. Thousands of people have stopped smoking in Oxfordshire over the past few years.Smoking prevalence rates in Oxfordshire have fallen in 2024 to an all time low of 7.5 per cent of the population. This still means thousands can still access the free support to quit. 

Smoking causes around 9,500 deaths each year in the south east region and is responsible for over 55,000 hospital admissions annually.

Smokers are 2.5 times more likely to need social care and on average need it 10 years earlier than non smokers.

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Oxfordshire’s Local Policy Lab has appointed its first Chief Scientific Advisors (CSAs) to provide research leadership as part of its work in reducing health inequalities in the county.

An alliance between the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University and Oxfordshire County Council, the Local Policy Lab promotes partnerships between academia, community and government to inform policy and improve quality of life for Oxfordshire residents.

Professor James Robson, Dr Joanna Crocker and Professor Jonathan Reid will each be responsible for leading an ambitious three-year research plan in each of the county’s three priorities as a Marmot place:  delivering a skilled workforce and fair employment, ensuring a healthy standard of living for all, and enabling children and young people to thrive.

The advisors will work in close collaboration with local policy makers, practitioners and communities over the next three years to affect direct impact on the ground.

Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive at Oxfordshire County Council said: “We are hugely excited to welcome Joanna, James and Jonathan as our first Chief Scientific Advisors. 

“The advisers will only further strengthen the Local Policy Lab partnership and better help us to meet the needs of, and maximise opportunities for, people and communities across the county.”

The Local Policy Lab was founded in 2024 to bring together Oxford’s universities and councils to tackle Oxfordshire’s biggest challenges and support the county’s Marmot priorities.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The appointment of our first Chief Scientific Advisors marks a significant step forward for Oxfordshire.

“By collaborating with universities and local communities, we are continuing to demonstrate our dedication to reducing health inequalities and creating a greener, fairer, and healthier Oxfordshire for all.”

The news coincides with the launch of the county council’s research strategy, at an event earlier in November. The strategy, running until 2030, will drive the council’s use of high quality, people focused research to inform policy for a greener, fairer, and healthier Oxfordshire.

It will strengthen collaboration with community groups, universities, and partners, helping to embed research skills and evidence-based decision making across council services, and create the right environment for impactful research.

About the Chief Scientific Advisors

Professor James Robson

James Robson is Associate Professor of Tertiary Education Systems at the University of Oxford’s Department of Education, where he also serves as Director of Research and as Director of the Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE). His research explores the political economy of tertiary education: how education systems can better connect with employment, respond to skills demand, support innovation ecosystems, and advance social justice.

Dr Joanna Crocker

Joanna Crocker is a Senior Researcher in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford. She specialises in patient, public and community involvement in health research, with a particular interest in how such involvement can reduce health inequalities.

Associate Professor Jonathan Reid

Dr Jonathan Reid is an Associate Professor of Education in the School of Education, Humanities and Languages at Oxford Brookes University. His research focuses on inclusion and exclusion in education, with particular interest in children and young people with diverse needs, adversity, trauma, and wellbeing.

About the Local Policy Lab

Oxfordshire’s councils, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University can access a wealth of cutting edge, impact driven research to inform solutions to public policy challenges facing the county.

The Local Policy Lab aims to:

• Connect University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes researchers with county and district council policymakers, local volunteer and charity organisations, and with communities to support evidence-based public policy in key areas. The initial focus is on the socio-economic underpinnings of health inequalities.
• Create opportunities for graduate students, supervised by academics and county officers, to work on existing datasets, collect new qualitative data and undertake impact evaluations.
• Support stronger long-term relationships between Oxfordshire’s councils and universities.

Find out more by visiting the Local Policy Lab’s website.  

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Families with young children and health professionals can look forward to a range of events across the county to mark Baby Week 2025, taking place 14 - 21 November.

Oxfordshire County Council is joining partners to participate in this national initiative, which brings different sectors and services together to champion the early years.

The theme for 2025, ‘healthy parent, healthy baby’, highlights the link between a child’s wellbeing and the health, support and resilience of their caregiver.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Joining in with Baby Week offers a wonderful opportunity for families, health professionals and local organisations to come together, share experiences and learn from one another.

“The week aims to foster a sense of community through a variety of activities designed to support the health and development of babies and their parents.

“By participating, attendees can access valuable resources, expert advice and practical support tailored to the needs of Oxfordshire’s youngest residents and their families.”

The programme will shine a light on parental health and wellbeing, feeding and prenatal nutrition, movement and activity, early learning, healthy families and communities and much more.

Launch events will be held on Friday 14 November at Toddlers World, White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre, and at the Rose Buds Stay & Play session in Rose Hill, with events across the county and online throughout the week. Residents can find out what’s on by visiting Baby Week Oxfordshire’s website.

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People in Oxfordshire who are eligible for annual winter flu and COVID jabs are being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The flu vaccine is available for free to all pregnant women, children aged two to three or in primary and secondary education, all children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to less than 18 years, anybody in a clinical risk group – such as those with diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system and their close contacts, people who live in care homes, carers, frontline health and social care workers, and all those over the age of 65. 

Those residents in care homes for older people, all adults aged 75 or over and individuals who are immunosuppressed aged six months and over can also get a free COVID booster. 

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: "Flu and COVID can pose serious risks, especially to people with certain health conditions. They spread more in winter as we gather indoors, increasing the risk of severe illness.  

“The vaccination programme aims to provide those who need the most protection with the help they need. Getting the vaccine not only gives you extra protection but also protects your loved ones and those you work with. 

“It's important to boost your protection regularly, as immunity decreases and viruses change each year.  

"As always, if you have a fever or feel unwell from a respiratory infection, stay home and limit contact with others."  

Where possible, the COVID-19 and the flu vaccine will be given on the same day. Vaccination appointments are taking place now. Find out more about the vaccinations and how to book an appointment by visiting the NHS website.

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A pioneering hospital based service is helping Oxfordshire residents affected by domestic abuse get the support they need – when and where they need it most.

Delivered in partnership by Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Services (ODAS), Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, the initiative features an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) within the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The IDVA works closely with clinical teams across a range of departments, including Maternity and Emergency Departments, to identify, support, and safeguard patients who may be experiencing domestic abuse.

As part of OUH’s wider safeguarding team, the IDVA provides direct support to patients, helps them access vital services such as housing and legal advice, and delivers specialist training to NHS staff to help them recognise signs of abuse and refer patients for support.

Following a successful pilot, the role is now due to be in place until at least March 2026.  As well as supporting patients at the John Radcliffe Hospital, the advisor can travel to other OUH sites to ensure individuals receive joined-up care, no matter where they are being treated.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “This service will provide a lifeline for people who may be suffering in silence.

“By placing support directly in our hospitals, we’re making it easier for victims to get help early. After a successful first year, we are pleased to be able to continue funding the service and have formally included it in ODAS’ contract from April 2025.

“As we mark Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness and ensure people know help is available.”

Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery at OUH, said: “This is an incredibly important initiative for our patients.

“Sadly, many women are most susceptible to domestic violence when they are pregnant. By having an IDVA based at the hospital, they can be called upon and referred to incredibly quickly - and time is really of the essence when it comes to protecting victims of domestic violence.

“This partnership reflects OUH’s continued commitment to safeguarding and addressing health inequalities through collaboration with local services.”

Sarah Bellars, Chief Nursing Officer at BOB ICB, said: “We are delighted to continue to support the hospital-based IDVA service. This is a vital advancement in safeguarding patients against domestic abuse. By providing immediate, specialised support within the healthcare setting, this service plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of abuse and promoting the wellbeing of both patients and their families.”

The service has been recognised as an example of best practice across the region and was recently presented at the South East Public Health Conference earlier this year.

For more information and support about domestic abuse, visit the Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Services (ODAS) website.

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After quitting her forty year smoking habit, outdoors loving Angela Face is celebrating another achievement – climbing Snowdon for the first time!

Following her experiences of taking part in Oxfordshire County Council’s Allen Carr’s Easway (ACE) stop smoking pilot, the Henley resident is encouraging others to take advantage of other local stop smoking services and quit for good.

Angela, who is 53 years old, first started smoking aged just 13 following a family move to Scotland.

She explained: “It wasn't due to peer pressure as most people would assume. It was something that I did on my own and in secret. I started as a bit of a rebellion to my parents as they were quite strict. I would use my dinner money to buy them and hide them outside.

"It was a desire for some control, but little did I know of course that the cigarettes would end up controlling me!”

She admitted she’d previously tried to quit about six or seven times unsuccessfully, being motivated by her own children’s dislike of the habit.

“They would turn away from me if I gave them a hug, because of the smell – I hated that. And my kids being grown up now and the possibility of having grandchildren, I didn’t like the thought of smoking around them.

“I’d tried all sorts in the past – lozenges, patches, tablets but each time I went back to smoking.”

Not wanting to give up on giving up, Angela discovered the council’s pilot through a Facebook ad. After giving her details, she was contacted by a member of the team who booked her onto a seminar.

The method she undertook focuses on the mental element of the addiction and looks to change a person’s mindset to addiction.

It is just one of a range of stop smoking options that was on offer to Angela by the council’s local stop smoking service.

“It made me realise that smoking was controlling me, my life. While people think smoking can help with stress, it was in fact the total opposite, I was more stressed thinking about when I could have my next cigarette. It was as though I’d been brainwashed into thinking I needed a cigarette.

“Once I managed to change my mindset, and break out of the habit, it was easy. There’s been no cravings or anything. It’s just been crazily easy.”

Since quitting last September, Angela is already reaping the benefits, feeling fitter than ever before, and enjoying more freedom. She even noticed that she’s become more productive at work.

“I get much more done in my work day now. I'm being more productive rather than ducking out for a cigarette every half an hour. I was the only smoker in my  team and I probably lost quite a lot of hours, to be honest.

“I feel amazing too. The healthiest I’ve been in a long time.

“I climbed Snowdon for the first time this year. I work with young people, and they climb it every year. I’d avoided it until this year as I thought I’d be huffing and puffing at the back. But this year it was my goal to finally climb the mountain.”

For those thinking of quitting, Angela has this to say: “It’s worth doing, if you want to do it. Don't worry if you'll fail. Normally I would have felt so embarrassed but the support team during the pilot was amazing and just encouraged me to try do it again.”

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Angela’s lovely story is just one of many that highlight the difference that quitting smoking can make not just on personal health, but on your day to day life.

“It’s great we were able to offer the pilot here in Oxfordshire. By reframing smoking, it empowers individuals to reclaim control, proving that the journey to quitting is as much about self-discovery as it is about breaking a habit.

“There’s so much to gain from quitting smoking. It’s clear that for Angela, climbing Snowdon wasn’t just a physical achievement, it was a symbol of newfound freedom and possibility that quitting unlocked.

“Her experience shows that with the right mindset, support and guidance, what once seemed daunting can become not only achievable, but surprisingly simple. I am so pleased for Angela, and I hope her story inspires others to quit.

“Stopping smoking with support means you are more likely to quit for good. There are plenty of other ways our stop smoking service can help you – free of charge.”

Oxfordshire County Council commissioned a two phase pilot of ACE and is currently evaluating the outcome of the programme. 

The council’s free stop smoking service, Smoke Free Oxon also provides a range of support services to help residents quit, including aids, coaching and more. Find out more by visiting Smoke Free Oxon’s website, by calling 0800 772 3673, or text QUITOXON to 66777.

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Ansaf has joined the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) Board as Honorary Secretary for Governance. The ADPH Board is made up of six Directors of Public Health and is chaired by the ADPH President.

ADPH, as the representative body for Directors of Public Health across the British Isles and British Overseas Territories, works closely with a range of Government departments, the four CMOs, NHS, devolved administrations, local authorities and national organisations across all sectors to improve and protect the health of the population.

As Honorary Secretary, Ansaf will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation operates within its governance framework, complies with legal requirements, and upholds its policies and protocols. The Board also acts as charity trustees and company directors, providing strategic direction and oversight.

In addition, Ansaf has been appointed Vice Chair of the South East Directors of Public Health Network, supporting collaboration and leadership across the region.

These appointments reflect Ansaf’s commitment to public health and his leadership within the sector.

They also bring national and regional insight back to Oxfordshire, helping to shape local services and improve outcomes for residents.

Ansaf Azhar, Director of Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "I’m honoured to take on these roles and contribute to the wider public health agenda.

“It’s a privilege to represent Oxfordshire at both regional and national levels, and I look forward to working with colleagues to strengthen our collective impact."

For more information about ADPH, visit www.adph.org.uk or email comms@adph.org.uk

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School children at Brookside Primary School in Bicester have thrown their support behind a new initiative to reduce children’s exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.

Oxfordshire County Council’s smoke free school gates campaign aims to encourage more smoke free zones at school entrances throughout the county.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, said: “We all know about the risks of second hand smoking. On top of that, around two thirds of smokers started as children, and young people are four times more likely to light up if they live with a smoker.

“That’s why we want to encourage initiatives such as these to help normalise healthy smoke free environments for children and young people.

“Brookside has set the standard for what can be achieved when a school community comes together to protect children’s health. We’re eager to see more schools follow their example.”

Pupils at the school were involved in researching the health risks of second-hand smoke and, with support and signage provided by the council, created educational materials for parents and carers.

The campaign will be delivered alongside national efforts including Stoptober, helping to raise awareness and support families who want to stop smoking.

James Watt, Deputy Head of Brookside Primary, said: “This has been a whole school effort. Our children took the lead in learning about the dangers of smoking and worked with staff to create a healthier school environment.

“This scheme has not only changed behaviours around the school gates but has also helped some families begin their journey towards quitting”.

The council’s free stop smoking service, Smoke Free Oxon also provides a range of support services to help residents quit, including aids, coaching and more. People can find out more by visiting Smoke Free Oxon’s website, by calling 0800 772 3673, or text QUITOXON to 66777.

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DadPad, an app developed in collaboration with Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team and Inspire Cornwall CIC, offers practical parenting tips, key insights into child development, and more.

It is now available for all expectant and new fathers across the county.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequality, said: “Parenthood, although exciting, can be a very daunting time too, and most of us will face plenty of anxiety along the way. We know too that new dads have traditionally been an under engaged group by maternity and perinatal services.

“Of course, every parent’s journey is different, but we hope that this new app will provide dads with an easy to use resource that they can access at home when they need it.

“Crucially, the app also provides dads with guidance on how to support and seek help, when needed, for their partners and themselves as they adjust to their new roles and cope with the physical and emotional strains that this can place on individuals and relationships.

“We hope that the app will enable more dads, and their partners, to feel more confident going into parenthood.”

The app covers a range of topics including feeding, holding, changing, cleaning, crying, bonding, home safety, and self care.

Julian Bose, Director of Inspire Cornwall CIC, said: “The DadPad was created because babies don’t come with a set of instructions, and dads told us that there was important information that they wanted to be given on what to expect and how to care for their baby.  We listened to what dads, their partners and health professionals asked for and combined it all in the DadPad.

“With technology playing such a big part in everyone’s lives today, developing an app to complement the existing DadPad seemed the obvious next step. This has opened a world of possibilities in delivering new content and features and, crucially, getting updates and news out to the dads quickly and easily.

“We are pleased to have been given the chance to get this new DadPad app for Oxfordshire launched, with the help and support of the Public Health team at Oxfordshire County Council and to provide even more support for new dads and dads-to-be in the county.”

To find out more and to download the app, visit: thedadpad.co.uk/app.

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Postgraduate researchers, academics and policymakers in Oxfordshire came together to share findings and insights from the 2025 Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme, which concluded earlier this month.

The Local Policy Lab, an alliance between Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, provides an opportunity for students and researchers to engage with their local communities and to better understand the public policy context in Oxfordshire. 

The 14 Local Policy Lab fellows have spent the last three months working on projects in partnership with policy officers from Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council. Their work helps bring academic insights into local policymaking focused on improving wellbeing and tackling inequalities in the county.

Fellows shared their findings with an audience of academics, local policymakers and community partners at the event on 10 July at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government.

Dr Foyeke Tolani, Head of Research at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Local Policy Lab Fellowship programme is laying the groundwork for real change and opportunity. Our partnership draws on the talents and knowledge of some of the brightest and best students in our local universities, working with council officers, to improve health outcomes for residents and address inequalities in our county. We are prioritising high-quality, people-centred research to ensure Oxfordshire becomes a fairer, greener, healthier county.”

Building on last year's pilot programme, and integrating fellows and researchers from both the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, the projects ranged from exploring how family hubs could strengthen family care provision in Oxfordshire to understanding the factors that influence fair pay and workforce diversity.

Each project supports one of three Oxfordshire priorities as a Marmot Place:  supporting a best start in life, creating fair employment, and ensuring a healthy standard of living for all.

Professor Alexander Betts, Pro-Vice Chancellor of External Engagement, Sport and Community​ at the University of Oxford, said: “It’s wonderful that we can combine the academic assets of Oxford’s two universities and share these with the county and city councils to support evidence-based policymaking in these key areas.

“These projects, which are guided by real and pressing policy issues, have been co-created between our fellows, policy mentors and advisors, along with community partners and participants, so that together we can improve the quality of policymaking and meaningfully address the socio-economic underpinnings of health inequality in Oxfordshire.”

About the Local Policy Lab

As the home to two large universities – the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University – Oxford (and Oxfordshire) can access a wealth of cutting edge, impact driven research that could inform solutions to public policy challenges facing the city and county.

The Local Policy Lab aims to:

• Connect University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes researchers with county and district council policymakers, local volunteer and charity organisations, and with communities to support evidence-based public policy in key areas. The initial focus is on the socio-economic underpinnings of health inequalities.
• Create opportunities for graduate students, supervised by academics and county officers, to work on existing datasets, collect new qualitative data and undertake impact evaluations.
• Support stronger long-term relationships between Oxfordshire’s councils and universities.

Find out more by visiting the Local Policy Lab’s website.  

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In his annual report, which focuses on mental wellbeing in children and young people, he talks about the importance of good mental health in ensuring healthy, fulfilling and happy lives.

He said: “As we become a 'Marmot county', I want to focus on the mental wellbeing of our children and young people to positively influence their future opportunities.

“Good mental health is essential for leading healthy, fulfilling lives, but we've seen an unprecedented increase in referrals to mental health services. Around one in five young people in Oxfordshire had a mental health problem in 2023, and demand for services is rising.

“Poor mental wellbeing is a major cause of economic inactivity among young people, while unemployment and lack of opportunities in education and training can also be a driver of mental health issues.

“It is, therefore, important we see all our young people from diverse backgrounds as assets and their mental health is not a barrier to reaching their full potential. We must embed mental wellbeing support across the county, particularly supporting children and young adults in early years, throughout education and through the transition from education to employment.

“All partners have a key role to play in maximising the potential of young people taking their differences into account and ensuring they are ready for the future in a way that reflects their individuality. 

“Together, we can not only protect and improve the wellbeing of young people, but also to create a productive and inclusive workforce that is fit to meet the challenging future needs of Oxfordshire.”

Producing an annual report is a requirement for all directors of public health. The reports look independently at issues affecting the health and wellbeing of the population in Oxfordshire and make recommendations for improvement.

The report is available to read in full on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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Jake Tilling, Witney Library Manager, and Karen Seymour, Hook Norton Library Manager, have been nominated for their work around the council’s Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative.

MECC is a national programme aimed at improving health outcomes through everyday conversations with residents. It uses the natural interactions that occur in community hubs, such as libraries, to support people with their health and wellbeing.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Public Health and Communities said: “Libraries are community hubs where thousands of conversations take place every day between staff, volunteers and library customers.

“MECC is perfectly placed to fit into these conversations and support people with their health and wellbeing. Often library staff are already having these types of conversations, but training in MECC ensures these conversations are high quality and effective.

“Jake and Karen have led our programme for almost six years on top of their roles as branch managers. In that time, they’ve helped us to train 44 MECC champions - one in every branch, resulting in almost 10,000 interactions per year. Together they have worked very closely to transform what we offer and improve health outcomes of their local communities. It is an excellent example of the benefits of collaborative working between the public health team and the library service.

“The nomination is a much deserved recognition of their brilliant work, and we wish both Jake and Karen every success.”

The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users, or their local communities.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 10 during the Libraries Connected annual seminar in Warwickshire.

The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users, or their local communities.

 he winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 10 during the Libraries Connected annual seminar in Warwickshire.

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With the help of Stop for Life Oxon, Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, she managed to kick the habit back in October. She is now encouraging others to give it a go this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March).

Ashton, from Long Hanborough said: “I was working as a waitress when I took up smoking at 21. We didn’t get lunch breaks but there was a staff room we could go for a smoke and a cuppa. It was easy to get smoke breaks and everyone else was smoking so I started so I could sit down for a minute!”

After nearly 20 years of lighting up, 40 year old Ashton knew last year it was time to quit. “I promised myself I would quit at 40, and I was halfway through the year when I knew enough was enough. I have a young son and want to be there for him.”

It was when she went to speak to her GP that they suggested she try the local stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon.

The free service has already assisted thousands of people across Oxfordshire in giving up smoking using tools like vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies.

She contacted the service and was supported throughout her journey by her coach Helen. Ashton explained: “Helen helped so much. I set a date with her several weeks before I actually quit, so I felt prepared when the day finally came. I used patches and a vape too.”

Free support to quit is available to all smokers in Oxfordshire and can include one to one coaching, free rechargeable vape kits and or nicotine replacement therapy for up to 12 weeks.

Since quitting last year, she has already noticed a huge difference.

“My skin is brighter, I have saved a lot of money, I’m not constantly on edge wanting a cigarette, and I don’t smell like an ashtray anymore!” Ashton added.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “We know how daunting it can be for people to give up smoking. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help anybody who wants to quit smoking in Oxfordshire. You’re three times more likely to succeed with help.

“Giving up smoking not only greatly benefits your physical health by making you feel fitter and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing and save you money.

“I am so pleased that Ashton was successful, and I hope that her story inspires many more people to get in touch with the service to give it a go themselves.”

Find out what support is available by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.

Over 60,000 adults in Oxfordshire and over five million adults in England still smoke. Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.

The benefits of quitting start almost immediately including improved stress levels, feeling fitter and better taste and smell. In the long-term, quitting smoking can help someone to live longer, reduce their risk of disease and breathing problems, and save on average of £365 a month.

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In partnership with the University of Oxford, Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team is calling on school and colleges to sign up to the project, which enables partners to better understand young people’s mental health and wellbeing and helps shape future support.

Open to children and young people aged nine to 18, it is a 15 minute anonymous questionnaire completed during the school day.

It asks students about their mental health and emotional wellbeing (including their sleep patterns) and their experiences with social media and bullying, school support and access to services.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health Inequalities and Safety, said: “By gathering insights directly from young people, the survey ensures their voices are put at the heart of efforts to improve their mental health.

“As well as allowing Oxfordshire schools and colleges to learn about and respond to their students’ needs, the data gathered will also inform broader national research on youth mental health trends.”

Schools and colleges can sign up to take part for free by visiting the OxWell 2025 sign-up portal. The survey will run until 24 March 2025.

Professor Mina Fazel, Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, who leads the research, said: “Not only does this survey give us valuable insights into young people’s lives, but we are also committed to translating those findings into practical measures and plans that improve their mental health and wellbeing. That’s why the more children we get taking part, the better the picture we get of what is happening in their lives and minds, and what their priorities are.”

The last survey, undertaken in 2023, provided critical insights into issues affecting the county’s children and young people, such as self-harm, loneliness, vaping and safety. The findings helped schools and local authority to create targeted interventions to directly benefit students, including mental health strategies, anti-bullying policies and student well-being initiatives.

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The 12 month pilot, which launched 1 March, offers individuals with up to six 40 minute sessions to help make changes to their drinking with the aim to reduce the risk alcohol poses to their health.

Those who live in Oxfordshire and score as ‘increasing risk’ or ‘higher risk’ in DrinkCoach’s alcohol test are eligible and will be automatically signposted to online coaching.  

Residents can also book a coaching session directly through DrinkCoach’s website.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities, and Community Safety, said: “While alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed in moderation, continued or excessive consumption can lead to a range of health problems such as sleep problems, liver disease, mental health problems, cancer and more.

“This new coaching service aims to support people to change their drinking habits and feel better. It's ideal for anyone wanting to reduce or stop drinking, with regular check-ins and encouragement to keep you on track.”

Sessions can be booked seven days a week, including evenings, subject to availability of coaches. All sessions are conducted online through video calls.

Derek, one of the service’s coaches, said: “Having a drink coach can make a huge difference. It is someone you can have honest, no-nonsense conversations with about your drinking habits and set some real goals to get where you want to be.

“It works because a drink coach offers independent support, as they don't have the emotional attachment that a family member or loved one might have, and you can be completely open with them.

This is among a number of services launched in 2025 that will provide support for residents and communities health and wellbeing. 

Anybody who is struggling with alcohol dependence, can seek free specialist and confidential support from Turning Point. For referrals and queries, please call 01865 261690.

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Organisations across Oxfordshire are joining forces with University College London’s Institute of Health Equity (IHE) on a two year Marmot Place project, which will tackle health inequalities in local communities.

Marmot Places are local areas that adopt the evidence-based principles and methodology developed by Sir Michael and his team to tackle the social determinants of health and reduce health inequalities.

Although a small number of other places in the country have become a Marmot Place, Oxfordshire will the first county council area to do so.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Becoming a Marmot Place represents a commitment by the council towards reducing health inequalities.

“This new partnership will greatly benefit many lives in Oxfordshire and significantly advance our long-term goals of alleviating major health disparities and fostering healthier, more active and safer communities.”

Drawing on extensive data collected over many decades by IHE director and esteemed epidemiologist Professor Sir Michael Marmot, the programme seeks to ensure that 'social determinants' –the conditions in which someone is born, raised, live, work, and age – provide a solid foundation for good health.

The partnership aims to evaluate and build on existing work, measure and tackle rural inequality and utilise research to find innovative solutions to tackling health inequalities.

The new collaboration was launched with an event on 25 November in Rose Hill in Oxford, with an appearance from Professor Sir Michael Marmot himself. Organisations from across the county – ranging from NHS, county and district councils, universities, businesses and voluntary sector – also attended and signalled their commitment to this new partnership work.

Sir Michael said: “Despite being a county of relative wealth and good health we know that is not the experience of all. The conditions in which many people are living harms health, particularly the least well-off and those of ethnic minority groups, who may experience racism and discrimination. The work we are launching today seeks to address the underlying causes of these problems and promote health equity for all.”

In Oxfordshire, the Marmot programme will both complement and build on the work already taking place locally to improve the health of people of all backgrounds, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

By joining forces with the IHE, Oxfordshire organisations will also now be able to draw on the added expertise of the Marmot team at the IHE as it seeks to deal with those inequalities.

The new link-up will also help prioritise local resources, guide commissioning and inform bids for relevant funding, all with the support of partners from the NHS, academia and the third sector.

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The free Oxfordshire County Council funded health check can lower a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and (certain types of) dementia.

Since 2019, 67,328 Oxfordshire residents have taken up an invitation to have an NHS health check.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “NHS health checks help people to get an overview of their general health and are a fast, effective method of finding out if there are some simple things they could be doing to improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

“We know that men are more likely to put off seeing a doctor, and this can have a real impact on our health. That’s why, this International Men’s Day, we’re making an extra special effort to encourage men to get booked in for an NHS health check. It’s quick and easy, and a great way to detect potential issues and get help with them before they become serious.”

NHS health checks are funded by the county council’s public health team, which exists to improve the health of local people and protect them from preventable health issues – helping local residents live safe and healthy lives and play an active role in their communities.

Everyone eligible, aged 40 to 74 in England, will be invited for a free NHS health check once every five years (apart from those already seeing their GP for certain conditions). 

 A health check will take around 30 minutes:

• You will be asked some simple questions about your family history, whether or not you smoke and how much alcohol you drink.
• Your height, weight, sex, ethnicity and age will be recorded.
• Your blood pressure and pulse will be taken.
• A simple blood test will check your cholesterol level.
• Your body mass index (BMI) will be calculated. BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height.
• Your level of risk of developing certain conditions (i.e. stroke, kidney and heart disease, type 2 diabetes and types of dementia) will be calculated.
• You will be given personalised lifestyle advice to help you live a longer, healthier life.

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After smoking for thirty years on and off, it was a health scare that motivated Witney-based husband and wife Andrew and Mary to finally quit for good.

Thanks to Oxfordshire County Council’s Stop for Life service, they have successfully ditched the habit and are now encouraging other smokers to contact the service to and follow suit.

 Andrew, 61, ditched his 20 a day habit for good a few months ago after taking up cigarettes aged 20.

“Although I’d tried to quit a few times, I first started smoking when I was young and had been smoking for about 30 years.

“When I started, it was just the done thing, you’d go to the pub and smoke, so I jumped on the bandwagon.”

Mary, 60, had managed to quit when she became pregnant, having taken up the habit at 18, but had since reverted to smoking 10 cigarettes a day once more.

“I first started when I was a teenager as a bit of an act of rebellion but quit successfully when I fell pregnant.

“I took up smoking though when a close friend of mine moved away, I found the smell of cigarettes brought me comfort and reminded me of them.”

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a light on the impact smoking was having on Andrew’s health, and provided them with the catalyst to quit.

Andrew explained: “I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well, so when I developed COVID, I got it quite badly and ended up in hospital in a coma. I know smoking was definitely a contributing factor to this.”

“A tobacco dependency advisor from the Here for Health team visited me while I was in hospital, who recommended that I quit smoking. She offered me an inhalator, and nicotine replacement therapy for while I was in hospital.”

Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Here for Health team offers a free health and wellbeing support service for patients, staff and visitors, including smoking cessation and works closely with the Stop for Life service.

When Andrew was discharged, the couple made the decision to contact Stop for Life to quit together.

On her decision to join Andrew, Mary said: “I wanted to quit with Andrew for moral support. The last thing I wanted was to be smoking around him, making things harder for him.”

They were put in touch with Karen Boardman from the Stop for Life team, who provided them with support and aids to help them quit together, using nicotine pouches and sprays to help.

“The service was amazing. We were never once made to feel bad if something didn’t go to plan, it was totally positive.

“Karen helped us and felt like a friend. She was always there for us when we needed to talk to her – going that extra mile really made a difference.”

Now off the cigarettes for a number of months, Andrew and Mary are already noticing a real impact on their lives.

While Andrew still has his underlying health issues, he’s found he is breathing better – Mary has noticed he breathes better in his sleep too. He’s also financially better off and has noticed an improved sense of smell and taste.

“My sense of smell and taste has changed too,” said Mary in agreement. “I used to drink a lot of tea and coffee, and now I can’t stand the stuff!”

Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon, has already helped thousands of people across Oxfordshire quit smoking using tools like vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies.

Free support is available to all smokers in Oxfordshire and can include one to one coaching, a free rechargeable vape kit and or nicotine replacement therapy for up to 12 weeks.

Andrew added: “Of course, you still need willpower to want to quit, but when you do, get in touch with Stop for Life, they’re brilliant. It’s all free, they’ll provide you with what you need.”

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “It’s lovely to hear from people who have successfully quit smoking. I’m so pleased for Andrew and Mary, and hope that their story inspires others to contact Stop for Life. 

“We’ve added more capacity to Oxfordshire’s stop smoking services and more than 1,000 people quit with their support in the last year. It’s never too late to stop smoking, and it really is possible to start to undo the effects of smoking, no matter your age.

"That said, we know how daunting it can be for people to give up smoking. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help anybody who wants to quit smoking in Oxfordshire. If you're interested, please do consider giving the service a try.”

Emma Hagues, Here for Health Service Development Manager at Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is brilliant news, and a huge well done to Andrew and Mary.

“We’re really pleased to hear that the support from our team was helpful – we are on-hand to help anyone in our hospitals whether that’s patients, visitors, or staff.  You are three times more likely to stop smoking with expert advice – we are here to help you take that first step and support you along the way.

“This story highlights the importance of an in-hospital tobacco dependency service to increase the number of patients engaging in treatment for smoking – and successfully quitting.”

Ian Hiscock, Service Manager at Stop for Life Oxon, said: “What Mary and Andrew have achieved is life changing, and we want to support as many people as possible to take up the offer of free expert support to change their and their loved ones lives for the better.”

Residents can find out more about the support on offer to help quit smoking for good by visiting the Stop for Life Oxon website, or phoning 0800 122 3790.

More information about the Here for Health smoking cessation service is on Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s website.

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Tellmi, a mental health app that delivers digital pre-moderated peer support, has been commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council to help improve outcomes for young people across the county.

It provides young people in Oxfordshire with 365-day access to a space where they can discuss their feelings anonymously, with in-house counsellors intervening to support high-risk users when needed.

They also have access to over 700 crisis specialist, and local support services through the Tellmi Directory.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “This app will be freely available to support all young people in secondary schools in Oxfordshire and local organisations that would like more support to help them deal with young people’s concerns about mental health and wellbeing.”

Since 2015, Oxfordshire has experienced a consistent increase in the number of school pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs.,

According to the 2023 OxWell Student Survey, an average of 33 per cent of students in year groups seven to 13 reported serious thoughts about self-harm, and 19 per cent of secondary school students stated they often felt lonely.

Kerstyn Comley Co-Chief Executive Officer at Tellmi, said: “We look forward to working closely with schools and organisations to build trust in our new service and improve outcomes for young people. In addition to our digital service, we will be delivering outreach activities, which include outreach campaigns, school resources, workshops, and training for anyone working directly with young people.”

The app can be downloaded at Google Play or the App Store. The webapp can be accessed at Tellmi.app. To find out more visit Tellmi’s website.

More information

Tellmi is a multi-award-winning anonymous peer support app for people aged 11 and above. In 2022, a nine-month study of 876 young people which was conducted by University college London found statistically significant evidence that using the Tellmi app improved their mental health in young people. Using the app led to increased confidence and decreased feelings of loneliness. The app gave young people the tools to manage their own mental health and overall, young people using the app reported feeling better and less alone.

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Here in Oxfordshire, we’ve been watching the rise of popularity of nicotine pouches closely and with growing concern. As a result, we are already expanding our work on tackling the supply and perception of illegal tobacco and vapes to cover protecting our residents from non-compliant nicotine pouches and other similar products.

So far, much of the work by councils have been focused on illegal cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco. Oxfordshire County Council has been keen to go further and seek to prevent the sale of non-compliant nicotine pouches as well.

Unlike similar tobacco pouches, commonly known as snus, nicotine pouches are a legal product. However, both on the high street and online, we are seeing a significant growth in illegal versions being sold locally and nationally – with incorrect labelling and product claims, and a lack of important safety information.

With limited regulatory controls covering these products, including no legal age restriction, they are often packaged in a child appealing way, referring to attractive features such as a range of flavours.

It is suspected that much of the growth in interest in these products, comes from social media ‘advertising’ and from influencers of young people.

A recent study commissioned by the Professional Footballers Association found that almost one in five male professional footballers are regularly using nicotine pouches and nearly half would like to quit.

In 2020, 34 percent of British adults had heard of them. By 2022 awareness had increased to 44 percent. The proportion of adults who had ever tried nicotine pouches was also significantly higher in 2022 (3.9 per cent) than in 2020 (2.7 per cent).

Nicotine pouches are also now being commonly sold in youth-centric settings like music festivals and, unsurprisingly, the use is increasing most among the younger demographic.

Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are a legal product, whereas tobacco pouches have been prohibited in the UK and most of Europe for many years. But some other  smokeless tobacco products such as gutka or paan masala are legal and are popular within Asian communities in the UK.

However, smokeless tobacco products (including snus) are often substantially cheaper than cigarettes, so prove an attractive alternative – regardless of their legal status.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team have been aware of this and are already taking significant action to tackle the sale of illegal products and, crucially, non-compliant tobacco-free nicotine pouches.

As part of the ongoing work of seizing illegal disposal vapes and other tobacco products, the team have expanded their work to include nicotine pouches.

Our work in this area is in its infancy, compared to illegal tobacco and vapes, but we have already seized 564-unit packs so far and that will undoubtedly rise as we continue to develop a better understanding of nicotine pouches, how and where they are sold, distribution chains and points of importation - and as the product becomes more popular.

The nicotine pouches we are seizing are non-compliant because they are often not labelled in English or do not comply with important safety labelling requirements. 

Samples sent for testing have also shown erratic nicotine contents of pouches from the same unit pack and nicotine claims on the packaging that are wildly different from their actual content – prompting concerns around a lack of quality control and responsibility by producers.

These non-compliant products often have far greater nicotine content, and the concern is that, given these products are not currently age-restricted, a child may be able to purchase them, not be able to follow the instructions for use because they are not in English or are just missing entirely and potentially ingest large amounts of nicotine.

Many of the non-compliant products seized have been alongside illegal tobacco and other nicotine products, with sellers attempting to avoid detection via elaborate ‘hides’ and hidden storage locations.

Although in most cases we would look to work with retailers around non-compliant products, providing advice and removing items from sale, due to the seriousness of this situation, we already have two criminal investigations underway that involve the sale of nicotine pouches – in these cases they have been seized alongside illegal tobacco, shisha and vapes.

Like vapes, it’s evident that nicotine pouches are becoming more popular in the UK, particularly with the younger demographic. So, it’s our duty to make sure that the products being sold adhere to current legal standards and it is for lawmakers to consider what new regulations and legal powers might be necessary.

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In Oxfordshire, more than 1,000 people quit each year with the support of Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Stoptober is the perfect time to make a go of giving up cigarettes. No matter how long you’ve been smoking for, quitting is well worth it!

“Giving up smoking not only greatly benefits your physical health by making you feel fitter and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing and save you money.

“We understand the challenges people face in their journey to give up smoking. That’s why there are tools and aids to support everyone in their journey to a smoke free life. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help people who want to quit smoking in Oxfordshire.”

Over 60,000 adults in Oxfordshire and over five million adults in England still smoke. Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.

Research shows that people who smoke and give up for a whole month are up to five times more likely to stay smoke free for good.

The benefits of quitting start almost immediately including improved stress levels, feeling fitter and better taste and smell. In the long-term, quitting smoking can help someone to live longer, reduce their risk of disease and breathing problems, and save on average of £365 a month.

Nicotine replacement included vapes are available to help individuals through Stop for Life Oxon.

Find out what support is available by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.

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The flu vaccine is available for free to all pregnant women, children aged two to three or in primary and secondary education, anybody in a clinical risk group – such as those with diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system and their close contacts – people who live in care homes, carers, frontline health and social care workers, and all those over the age of 65.

Those residents in care homes for older people, all adults aged 65 or over, anybody in a clinical risk group and frontline health and social care workers, including staff working in care homes for older people, can also get a free COVID booster.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “While flu and COVID is often just an unpleasant inconvenience, they can be dangerous and even life-threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions. They spread more easily in the winter when we spend more time together indoors, and so the risk of serious illness is higher.

“The vaccination programme aims to provide those who need the most protection with the help they need. Getting the vaccine not only gives you extra protection but also protects your loved ones and those you work with.

“It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.

“And as with any respiratory infection, if you have a high temperature or feel unwell, do try to stay at home and avoid contact with others.”

Where possible, the COVID-19 and the flu vaccine will be given on the same day.

Find out more about the vaccinations and how to book an appointment by visiting nhs.uk/flujab and nhs.uk/covid-vaccine.

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The programme is part of the Local Policy Lab, the new alliance between the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University and Oxfordshire County Council. It is an opportunity for students and researchers to engage with their local communities and to better understand the public policy context of the city and local environment where they live.   

At the event's core were presentations from the 19 local policy fellows – the graduate students who have been working on local policy research projects with officers and policymakers from Oxfordshire County Council over the past few months. 

Dr Adam Briggs, Deputy Director of Public Health at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It’s so exciting to see the Local Policy Lab Fellowship Programme tackling some of our most pressing policy challenges. Our partnership draws on the talents and knowledge of some of the brightest and best students in our local universities, working with council officers to improve health outcomes for residents and address some of the major threats presented by climate change.”

With projects rooted in local communities and focused on addressing climate and health inequalities in Oxfordshire, the fellows introduced the findings of their scoping reviews, data assessments and impact evaluations to a captive audience of academics, local policymakers and civil society organisations. 

 Topics tackled by the fellows ranged from exploring the opportunities to promote health outcomes offered by growing vegetables in NHS hospital sites, to assessing the potential for mapping the quality of greenspace in Oxfordshire and identifying promising practices for schools’ decarbonisation in the county. 

As well as working in close partnership with the council and partners, each fellow was helped by professional research facilitators and academic mentors from Oxford University. 

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Safety, said: “I was delighted to be able to join the showcase event earlier this month. I gained a lot of insight from hearing about the 19 fellows and their research projects, and how their important contributions will help us to influence policy for the future and make Oxfordshire a more equal and fairer county for everyone."

 Alex Betts, Global and Local Engagement Officer at the University of Oxford, said: “The Local Policy Lab Fellowship Programme has shown that challenges like climate and global health that exist all around the world have real local importance too, and starting to tackle them at a local level can truly make a difference in people’s lives.  

“It’s been remarkable to listen to the fellows’ recommendations about carbon credit and offsetting, green space wellbeing labs, public directories for social prescribers and other initiatives that can have impact over time, and the Local Policy Lab is committed to continuing to build while learning from one project cycle to another.” 

The Local Policy Lab will continue to build meaningful and long-lasting connections between academic researchers and policymakers at the local level. The lab is expecting to launch the next cohort of the programme in coordination with Oxford Brookes University in the next academic year.

The project’s focus has been to work with those who administer botox and fillers for cosmetic purposes to ensure they are aware of legislation and taking appropriate action to prevent underage sales.

It aims to educate providers about what they need to do to comply with the legislation regarding underage sales and assess the level of knowledge to minimise future possible contraventions.

Jody Kerman, Head of Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Botox and fillers are both very popular cosmetic procedures right now, even among younger age groups.

“Whilst legislation prohibits the administration of botox and fillers to children, we know that access to these procedures to those under 18 remains a real concern and appreciate some young people may try to access them regardless.

“Therefore, we want to work with businesses and practitioners to ensure they are taking the right steps to protect both themselves and young people, by making sure they are complying with legal requirements.”

As part of its work, the team identified and sought to contact businesses that provide botox and fillers. They used a broad approach to send information and advice to 74 businesses that could potentially offer the service.

Overall, 27 businesses were visited by trading standards, who found that most of them were aware of the legal and ethical requirements to not inject anyone under 18.

However, some of them were not aware of the offence of booking an appointment for a child, and few of them asked for proof of age or recorded refusals. These businesses were advised to use a 'Challenge 25' scheme and to keep records of age verification and refusals. 

A proposed national licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England is currently in being considered. This would regulate the qualifications and standards of practitioners.

Find out more about this by visiting gov.uk.

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Following an earlier motion, the council’s cabinet is now set to discuss rolling out a scheme to provide period products in 18 libraries and eight children and family centres across Oxfordshire on a trial basis.

Lorna Baxter, Executive Director of Resources said: “During the cost of living crisis, residents have been forced to make difficult decisions about which essentials they can buy.

“We know that in 2023, Action Aid found that 21 per cent were struggling to afford period products – an increase of nearly 10 per cent in just a year. This is a trend that is even higher among younger age groups.

“No doubt it is very distressing for those experiencing period poverty but it can also pose a real health risk. This is why it’s so important that we make it easier for everyone who needs them to access period products.

“Being able to access period products at school, work or in a public place free of charge could be the difference for some between staying at home or being able to go to school, work, exercise, socialise and more. This all can have wider implications for a person’s mental health, wellbeing and future.

“Since the period poverty motion went to the full council meeting of all county councillors back in September 2023, we’ve been working to look at how we can best implement any such scheme.

“We have been looking at a number of options to support residents, including disposable and reusable products. We hope that this trial will help us to determine the most effective way to support those experiencing period poverty in the county.” 

If approved, the scheme will provide period products to anyone who need them in larger libraries, libraries serving priority areas of deprivation, children and family centres, and for council employees in larger council offices.

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South Oxfordshire based Sarah, who is in her sixties, kicked her 60 a day habit two decades ago but is still reaping the benefits of making the change today. Now she is encouraging other local people to ditch the addiction with the help of Oxfordshire County Council.

Like so many, Sarah started smoking in her teens along with her friends, at a time when it was seen as fashionable.

“I was very much into the pub and club scene when growing up and smoking went hand in hand with drinking and dancing, and there were no bans in public places as there are now, so it was easy to get hooked,” she explained.

Although it was initially the desire to be fitter that motivated her to cut down, it wasn’t until a visit to her dentist in her forties that she realised the full extent of damage smoking had done.

Sarah said: “Ironically, I was also very much into my fitness at that time and regularly attended aerobic classes and gym sessions. I was starting to get a bit wheezy while using some of the cardiac equipment and thought it would be helpful if I cut down. 

“But the main reason I quit was because I lost most of my top teeth due to gum disease. My dentist told me this was because I was starving my mouth of oxygen and smoking was a key factor in this. My teeth were literally falling out one by one when I would just bite on something even as soft as a roll or a piece of cheese.”

Eventually she lost all her top teeth, and after some failed attempts with dentures, she decided to take the plunge and invest in dental implants to regain her smile.

“My dental surgeon told me categorically she would not carry out the operation unless I gave up smoking completely because my mouth needed to be as clean as possible to ensure success. The surgery was very expensive (I had to take out a loan to cover the cost) and so I made sure I never smoked cigarettes again.” 

Quitting smoking not only gave her back her smile, but she noticed a big difference in other ways too.

Sarah explained: “I am now a fairly healthy weight and am very active. I attend a gym two to three times a week and go hiking regularly with friends and with local rambler groups, walking between 20 to 30 miles a week. I’m pretty sure I would have been unable to do that if I had carried on smoking 60 cigarettes a day!

“I felt free of an addiction once I had given up nicotine completely and my clothes and house no longer smelt disgusting. I now absolutely detest the smell of smoking.”

Sarah admits going cold turkey was almost impossible so used multiple therapies to aid her in quitting for good, including patches, gum and lozenges, and recommends Oxfordshire County Council’s Stop for Life Oxon support services for anybody who would like to quit themselves.

“I would definitely have used the local Oxfordshire services had they been available to me, because at the time I was trying to quit, half of my friends were still smoking, and that type of external support would have been invaluable. So I would urge anyone trying to quit to seek help of that kind.”

Free support is available to all smokers in Oxfordshire and can include one to one coaching, a free rechargeable vape kit and or nicotine replacement therapy for up to 12 weeks.

Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon, has already helped thousands of people across Oxfordshire quit smoking using tools like vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “Oral health is just one thing that can be massively impacted by smoking. People that smoke are at a higher risk of gum disease, staining, tooth loss – like Sarah suffered – and mouth cancer.

“We know how daunting it can be for people to give up smoking. So that’s why there are tools and aids to support everyone in their journey to a smoke free life. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help people who want to quit smoking in Oxfordshire.”

Residents can find out more about the support on offer to help quit smoking for good by visiting the Stop for Life Oxon website, or phoning 0800 122 3790.

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The Local Policy Fellowship programme provides an opportunity for students and researchers to engage with their local community and to better understand the public policy context of the city and local environment where they live. 

The Local Policy Fellows will work in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and its policy partners to design and conduct impact evaluations, evaluate datasets, and collect qualitative data around health and climate policy initiatives. Additional support for each Fellow will be provided by professional facilitators and academic mentors from Oxford University. 

The 19 inaugural Local Policy Fellows will carry out research on nine projects, listed below:  

• Unlocking a fair start: Home visits for a healthier, greener homes (Fatima Kasenally and Michael Folayan); 
• Promoting health outcomes by vegetable growing through NHS greenspace Rejoice Hassan and Michael Leadbetter); 
• Creating a more equal Oxfordshire: evaluating the work of the Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnership (Faye Thijssen and Nahjae Nunes); 
• Assessing green social prescribing opportunities for children and young people in Oxfordshire (Srijani Datta and Moosa M Waraich); 
• Underrepresented voices in climate action (Gillian Chan and Aya Kamil); 
• Mapping the quality of greenspace in Oxfordshire (Samuel Greenrod and Wajeeha Amir); 
• Assessing the role of carbon capture in an Oxfordshire offsetting strategy (Jin Lim, Michal Staniaszek and Aisha Valenzuela Basurto); 
• Identifying promising practices for schools’ decarbonisation in Oxfordshire (Shreya Sharma and Hansa Mukherjee); 
• The impact of healthy conversations: Evaluating the ‘Making Every Contact Count’ training (Eloise Ockenden and Edinah Samuel). 

Professor Alex Betts, University of Oxford Local and Global Engagement Officer, said: “As the home to two large universities, Oxford – and the whole of Oxfordshire – could access a wealth of cutting-edge, impact-driven research that could inform solutions to public policy challenges facing the city and county.  

“We’re delighted to be launching the Local Policy Lab Fellowship Programme as a first step in connecting the city and county with a diverse group of students from a variety of academic backgrounds, all with a clear commitment to contribute to the local community by addressing climate and health issues.” 

The Fellowship Programme has already kicked off with a series of weekly training sessions which range from local policy and community engagement to data skills, ethics, social sciences for public policy. The Local Policy Fellows will start their field work and data analysis next month and will present the findings and policy recommendations from each project in July.  

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This hugely exciting programme allows Oxfordshire County Council teams to partner with 19 of the brightest and best students from our local universities to tackle some of the most pressing climate and health issues facing Oxfordshire today.  

“Local Policy Fellows will get the opportunity to apply what they’ve learnt in the lecture theatre to current policy challenges, directly impacting local decision making to improve outcomes across the county. We’re thrilled to be getting started on a programme that will benefit people in Oxfordshire through closer relationships between Oxfordshire’s councils, communities and universities for years to come.” 

Oxford Brookes University graduate students will be able to apply for the 2024-2025 academic year.  

Professor Koula Asimakopoulou, Associate Dean Research and KE, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at Oxford Brookes University, said: "Oxford Brookes are delighted to be partnering with Oxford County Council and our academic friends and colleagues at Oxford to deliver this initiative. We are looking forward to welcoming Brookes students to this initiative in the coming months and to continuing the good work that has already started." 

The Local Policy Lab Fellowship Programme is the first initiative launched by the Local Policy Lab, a joint effort between universities and local government that aims to bridge the gap between academic research and local policy and promote relationships and between local policymakers, community groups and residents, and university researchers in Oxfordshire. 

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A warning has been issued by Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team about the dangers of illegal disposable vapes after total seizures across the county reached 10,000.

This reflects a national trend amid safety concerns and a proposed ban on disposable vapes announced by government in January. Figures from the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) charity suggest 7.6 per cent of 11 to 17 year olds now vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1 per cent in 2020.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Rechargeable vapes are a proven tool for adult smokers to help with quitting smoking and are almost twice as effective as other forms of nicotine replacement therapy. However, they should not be used by children or non-smokers as nicotine is highly addictive, with withdrawal sometimes causing anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches. This is alongside other unknown long-term effects on health.”

How to spot an illegal vape?

Check the packaging for the following tell-tale signs that a disposable vape may be illegal:

• A nicotine content above 2 per cent (or 20mg/ml)
• The capacity above 2ml
• A puff count above 1,200
• No UK address for an importer/manufacturer
• A health warning that doesn’t include the exact wording “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance”

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, said: "We have recently seen a very concerning but unfortunately predictable development where reasonably sophisticated concealments, secured by electromagnet, have been used in an attempt to evade detection. This is clear evidence that illegal vapes are now being deliberately sold by organised crime groups”.

“Whilst the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is very welcome, this is clearly going to be a significant problem for many years to come”.

More information

Anyone concerned about the sale of illegal vapes in Oxfordshire can report it anonymously using the Illegal tobacco and vape hotline on 0300 999 6 999 or visit stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk

Any business considering purchasing disposable vapes for retail sale can refer to Oxfordshire County Council’s online guidance.

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The training is being delivered by Oxfordshire Mind on behalf of the county council. It is needs led, informed by local data and insight, and prioritised for those who have the most contact with those most vulnerable.  

It will also be developed and tailored to complement the countywide efforts to support better mental health.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “It is great we’ve been able to commission Oxfordshire Mind to deliver these free training opportunities for professionals and volunteers.

“I hope that the training helps us to better support those facing mental health crises in the county and help us to build a more resilient and compassionate society for all.”

The sessions are designed to equip professionals and volunteers with the knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals in crisis effectively. It is offered to small organisations who are unable to fund mental health and suicide prevention training.

Working alongside the council’s public health team, Oxfordshire Mind has prioritised several groups who have been shown to be facing the greatest inequalities.

These groups have made excellent progress over the first three months of contact with professionals.

Marcus Hills, Programme Manager at Oxfordshire Mind, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Oxfordshire County Council with the launch of these training courses. This marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to improve mental health support in Oxfordshire. By equipping professionals and volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are ensuring that those in crisis receive the compassionate and effective help they need.”

The contract is made up of five training courses, including:

• mental health awareness
• suicide first aid
• youth mental health first aid
• youth mental health first aid champion training
• SP-EAK suicide prevention training.

 Find out more about the courses, including eligibility, by visiting Oxfordshire Mind’s website, or by contacting trainingcourses@oxfordshiremind.org.uk.

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The Healthy Start scheme is a national scheme supported in the county by Oxfordshire County Council, Good Food Oxfordshire, Home Start, the city and district councils and the NHS. It provides money for families to help with their grocery shop for healthy food, milk and infant formula.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood, as it’s a time of rapid growth and activity.

 “Healthy Start makes it easier to plan healthy meals and snacks for children by helping to buy food items that are proven to be beneficial to your child’s diet.

“However, Oxfordshire eligible families that are not claiming Healthy Start are missing out on an estimated total across the county of nearly £360,000. That’s over £260 a year per family!

“Families could save up to £34 a month on healthy food and drinks in their baby’s first year and over £1,200 on food and milk in a child’s first four years. Make sure you’re not missing out by checking your eligibility.”

Parents can also use the scheme to get free vitamins during pregnancy and vitamin drops for babies and young children. These are available through a midwife or health visitor.

Residents can find out if they are eligible by visiting the dedicated NHS Healthy Start website.

Professionals and volunteers can also learn more by visiting Good Food Oxfordshire’s website, which contains a wealth of training, videos and marketing materials.

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Health is the untold story when we talk about our changing climate.

It took 28 years before the UN’s annual climate convention, the Conference of Parties (commonly known as COP), made its first ever health declaration in 2023. This is surprising given the negative impacts of climate change on health, wellbeing and inequality, and the clear opportunities for better health through climate action.

Climate action informs everyone of our current public health priorities at Oxfordshire County Council. This will enable us to deliver better health for local people faster and more fairly.

That is why this year, my Director of Public Health annual report presents the local impacts of climate change on health and provides a roadmap for how local politicians and decision-makers can act to improve health, look after our environment, and, at the same time, reduce emissions both in Oxfordshire, and nationally.

My report does not make a political case for change. It lets the evidence speak for itself. Problematic weather events are becoming more frequent: since 2007 there have been at least 18 severe flood events, eight cold snaps, four major heatwaves and three periods of drought in the county.

Recent flooding in Oxfordshire brought this into the spotlight. The loss of livelihood and the impact on our mental health and wellbeing was unprecedented. These events are going to be more common going forward.

In 2022, there were 65 excess deaths during periods of higher temperature across Oxfordshire and in 2019 an estimated 2,300 years of healthy life were lost due to air pollution in Oxford.

Across England, total costs of heat-related deaths from climate change and related socioeconomic change has been estimated at £6.8bn per year in the 2020’s, rising to £14.7bn per year in the 2050’s. In Oxfordshire, at least 51 care homes, 40 healthcare and GP facilities are also estimated to be at risk.

During the September 2023 heatwave alone, total ambulance demand across Oxfordshire increased by over eight per cent and patient acuity increased with higher numbers of category one (life threatening) and two (emergency) calls alongside a relative reduction in category three (urgent) calls.

But acting on climate change has the potential for many immediate positive health benefits. This means better health for everyone, from newborn babies to working-age adults to older people.

The impact of climate change is already felt most by our most disadvantaged communities, and so it is especially important that any actions we do take include and account for those most at risk.

Everyone and every organisation has an important role to play. But the responsibility to make a change cannot and should not be shouldered by individuals alone. We need real structural changes, and system wide actions to mitigate and adapt to our changing climate and to improve health.

There are a number of things local authorities can do to tackle climate change for the sake of the health of residents: improving the quality of our housing stock to make it more sustainable and energy efficient; better, more reliable transport networks that enable people to travel actively and keep fit; green social prescribing that reduces barriers to accessing and engaging with green space – particularly critical here for people living in the most deprived areas of Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council, system partners and community action groups are already working hard to address our changing climate – with immediate and longer-term positive benefits for health and wellbeing, but there is still plenty more that we can all do.

In Oxfordshire, we are calling for every climate action, policy and strategy to identify and maximise the opportunity to improve our health and wellbeing.

And by the same token, every health action, policy and strategy should mitigate and prevent the negative health impacts of our changing climate.

By framing the climate change debate in this way from a health co-benefits perspective, we are more likely to attract a significant new cohort of the population to change their behaviour due to immediate health benefits to the individual rather than the environmental benefits alone.

Local authorities and health professionals must work together to support urgent climate action for the sake of our health of our local populations. We need to urge others to do the same by changing their narrative for climate action so that the benefits to our health are front and centre.

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The council is trialling the innovative, drug-free Allen Carr’s Easyway (ACE) method as part of ambitions to make the county smoke free.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Our smoke free ambitions are a real priority for the council, and this pilot will be complementing our current smoking cessation offer from Stop for Life Oxon.

“If we can achieve our aims, we’ll have helped to improve the health and wellbeing of Oxfordshire residents, while also reducing pressure and costs on social care and the NHS. 

“This pilot is an exciting opportunity to provide an innovative and clinically proven intervention programme to the residents of Oxfordshire.”

“I’d urge smokers living in Oxfordshire, who are interested, to book a slot on the programme and give it a go.”

The treatment is quick, usually taking five hours through live group seminars. Shorter backup sessions, telephone support and email support are provided for those who require them. It can also be accessed easily using smartphones, tablets or laptops.

ACE is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy endorsed by NICE and the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

Published studies have shown that ACE can help smokers kick the habit long-term and has already helped an estimated 50 million people quit smoking over the last 40 years. The evidence base supporting the method is compelling.

Smoking remains the biggest cause of ill-health and death in the UK and increases the risk of developing serious health conditions. Smoking is also a major contributing factor to health inequalities.

To find out more about ACE, including how to book a slot, visit the Easyway website.

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People who use Oxfordshire’s refill shops to reduce their consumption of single use plastics can be reassured they are compliant with weight measures and food legislation thanks to recent checks by Oxfordshire County Council.

Over two days in March, the council’s trading standards team visited nine businesses at ten different locations to check weights and measures compliance of refill shops in the county.

The aim was to build up knowledge of the refill goods sector and improve compliance in that sector with weights and measures and food legislation. They found overall good compliance from the shops in question.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Growing awareness of the need to reduce consumption of single-use plastics has prompted the emergence of ‘zero waste’ or refill shops. Food, cosmetics and cleaning products, which would normally be supplied in single-use plastic packaging, are dispensed from bulk into containers provided by the customer.

“In the current climate, it’s important that consumers should also be confident that they are getting the quantity that they are paying for. Therefore, it’s very reassuring to hear that our local refill shops here in Oxfordshire are compliant with weights and measures, and food safety regulations.”

Where necessary, businesses were given best practice advice. One business was given advice recommending that it use its existing scales to determine the quantity of liquid products rather than relying on the capacities of the containers being re-filled.

Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, said: “The cost of living crisis means it’s arguably more important than ever that consumers get what they pay for. Trading standards has an important part to play as ensuring businesses are weighing and measuring goods accurately is one of the cornerstones of our profession.”

All but one of the refill shops visited were selling dry foodstuffs by weight over stamped scales, priced per kg, 100g or 10g. All tested scales were found to be within working tolerances for accuracy.

The following categories of liquid commodities were also being sold by refill shops: foodstuffs such as edible oils and vinegars; cosmetics including shampoo, hair conditioner and liquid soap; and cleaning products like detergents. These commodities were being sold in three ways: by weight only; by weight, with a conversion to volume using the specific density of the product; and by volume, using empty containers.

Allergen information was also found to be provided in all shops.

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In his annual report Ansaf Azhar has called climate change one of most significant threats to the population both in Oxfordshire and globally.

He said: “Our environment significantly influences our health. Recent flooding in Oxfordshire brought this into the spotlight, where some suffered a loss of livelihood and we saw a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing. These events are going to be more common going forward.

“This is why I want to talk about the health impacts of climate change and the positive benefits of climate action for individuals, families and communities.

“The actions that we can all take to improve climate health also immediately improve our health and the health of others.  All of us should to take positive climate action not just because of the environmental benefits realised years ahead, but the health benefits we will get from it immediately.    This means better health for everyone – whether we are talking about newborn babies, children, teenagers, working-age adults or older people.

“Everyone and every organisation has an important role to play. But individuals  cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. We need real structural change and joint partnership actions to mitigate and adapt to our changing climate and to improve health.

“We are already working hard together with partners to address our changing climate – with immediate and longer-term positive benefits for health and wellbeing, but there is still plenty more that we can all do.”

Producing an annual report is a requirement for all directors of public health. The reports look independently at issues which affect the health and wellbeing of the population in Oxfordshire and  make recommendations for improvement.

The report is available to read in full on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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In March 2023, community and voluntary organisations and the county council launched a community research network for Oxfordshire. With funding from UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), the network’s shared ambition has been to address local inequalities in health and wellbeing and tackle the 14-year gap in life expectancy across the county.

The network seeks to bring people together to collaborate with local councils, academic institutions and health services to work on research projects that will benefit their communities. It builds on Public Health England’s post-covid recommendation that communities are central to informing and identifying solutions to persistent health inequalities based on lived experience and must be equal partners in the research process.

Initial network membership was developed with inclusion at its heart, and while this approach is consistent with the standards expected by UK research funders, it won’t surprise anyone involved in community research that such involvement hasn’t always been the norm.

As part of its work, the network commissioned Healthwatch Oxfordshire to produce a report exploring community research in the county. They heard from local residents and voluntary groups about experiences of working with academics and statutory organisations.

Equal partners

While the report gave some notable examples of good practice, it was also evident that all too often research failed to recognise and build on previous work, or to follow through on promised actions.

Crucially, communities also voiced a feeling of being researched ‘on’, rather than ‘with’.

If we are to understand how to tackle persistent health inequalities, then people with lived experience need to be equal partners in all steps of the research process.

For many in local government and beyond, this means a new way of working that values communities, supports skills development, recognises and develops capacity and simplifies bureaucracy.

Building on community voices, Healthwatch Oxfordshire’s report identified four guiding principles for how to do things better:

• Nothing about us without us
• Commit to action
• Value lived experience and time
• Be open, transparent and accountable.

Adopting these principles can support councils and academic institutions in their collaborative work within communities.

Firstly, these principles mean placing a greater emphasis on co-production throughout the research process, and taking time to map and coordinate study plans with ongoing and previous research being done elsewhere.

Secondly, councils and universities should work with communities to develop a shared understanding of what ‘good’ looks like, including providing examples of best practice and learning.

And thirdly, there needs to be a shared expectation and agreement for a ‘continuous ongoing dialogue’ with communities. This is both to share research findings and to feed back action needed from those in positions of power to ensure long term change.

Changing 'extractive' approaches

Oxfordshire’s Community Research Network has a role supporting all of these steps and can help provide leadership in coordinating public involvement and holding institutions to account.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire’s report calls for a commitment from research institutions and academics to ensure “principles of equity, trust, respect, openness, collaboration and willingness to change ‘extractive’ approaches to research, with communities as equal partners”.

The four principles identified in the report will help to achieve this commitment but will require investment in time and money from communities, councils and academics alike. And ongoing evaluation of the network will help us to understand how and under what circumstances its changes to public and community involvement influence research questions, participation, and dissemination, and ultimately, local health and inequalities.

Adam Briggs, deputy director of public health, Oxfordshire CC; Veronica Barry, executive director, Healthwatch Oxfordshire; Nigel Carter, director, Oxford Community Action

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As part of a brand-new national initiative, it is now offering free one-to-one personalised support including the provision of free rechargeable vapes. Those looking to quit smoking can now choose to join the 30-day challenge and get a free vape starter kit alongside help from a coach.

The stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon, has already helped thousands of people across Oxfordshire quit smoking using tools like vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies. With the free support, people are three times more likely to quit smoking.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Cigarettes are one of the most harmful products on the market – killing up to two of every three lifelong smokers. For a 20-a-day smoker, it costs on average £384 per month and over £4600 per year.

“However, the positive impact of stopping smoking is immediate – with lung function and circulation improving in a few weeks, the risk of a heart attack drastically falling within one year, and the risk of cancer reducing in subsequent years, compared with someone who continued smoking. You can also experience better taste and smell, less stress, and protect your loved ones and your pets from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

“Rechargeable vapes are a great tool for adults to help with quitting smoking. They are almost twice as effective as other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, and I personally know people have managed to quit this way. Stop for Life Oxon can support you to access a free kit to help you on your journey to quitting your smoking habit for good.”

 Help us and be in with the chance of winning £50

 Ex-smokers and those who have decided to switch cigarettes for a vape are also being encouraged to share their story and be in with a chance of winning £50.

A new questionnaire is asking those who have given up cigarettes in the county to share their stories to inspire others to quit. Just one positive story or a short conversation could be the motivation that somebody needs. Those who take part in the survey could stand to win one of five prizes of £50.

Councillor Ley continued: “We also want people to help us inspire other Oxfordshire residents by telling us how and why they quit. Why did you quit? Was it to improve your health or finances, or perhaps for a family or a loved one? Had you been through a cycle of quitting and starting again – how did you succeed? Did anyone support you?”

“We are really keen to hear about people’s experiences of quitting smoking cigarettes and would love to share these with other people to motivate them.”

The questionnaire will be open for 30 days, running alongside a campaign to encourage current smokers to try the 30-day challenge and will be closing on 10 April.

To get involved and find out more about the survey, visit Oxfordshire County Council’s Let’s Talk Oxfordshire platform.

Find out more about the support on offer to help Oxfordshire residents quit smoking for good by visiting the Stop for Life Oxon website, the Best You mobile app, or phoning 0800 122 3790.

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The new service is due to start in November this year, bringing together two separate programmes from Oxfordshire County Council’s public health and health, education and social care (HESC) teams, increasing the overall funding and broadening the potential reach of the programme.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “The link between financial hardship and health and wellbeing can be a vicious cycle. Poor health can lead to financial difficulties through reduced access to education and limiting employment opportunities. Living with the stress and anxiety of financial hardship can have a damaging impact on long-term health and wellbeing.

“By combining our resources and bringing financial and health advice resources together, we can offer even greater support to people living in Oxfordshire, enabling them to live well and independently within their own communities. Something we call the Oxfordshire Way.”

The new advice service merges the Oxfordshire Specialist Advice Service and the Benefits in Place programme and will provide free, independent and impartial advice to assist people with benefits, debt, budgeting and other financial and welfare issues. It will help to support people to maximise their income, enabling them to look after themselves in their own homes and communities.

This, in turn, aims to bring sustainable health benefits to residents, enabling them to spend more money on activities which support their wellbeing. There will also be an offer of training for people around money management and this will help to build confidence in people and more resilient communities.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: "While Oxfordshire could generally be considered a healthier part of the country than most others, we can’t ignore that some pronounced disparities remain, particularly with the gap in health outcomes between our wealthiest and most disadvantaged areas. It's clear that health and financial wellbeing are deeply interconnected: poor health can lead to financial strain, just as financial troubles can adversely affect health.

“This reality underscores the importance of our new and enhanced service. By offering this improved support, we're not just addressing a need, we're taking a significant step towards bridging these gaps at the root cause level. It represents a critical move in ensuring those most in need receive the comprehensive assistance necessary for both their financial and health wellbeing."

Data suggests that the amount of people who use the council's existing specialist advice services has increased by nine per cent on previous years and that more than half of those who have been in touch are aged 75 years or older.

Similarly, the complexity of the issues has increased, with 4,549 advice issues managed, an increase of ten percent in the last year.

The refreshed programme has been codesigned following engagement with people who have used the council’s advice services in the previous year. This involvement will continue prior to the launch of the new service, building in suggestions and possible improvements for residents.

As well as uniting the advice services, funds have been set aside to modernise the provision, including the possible use of artificial intelligence to help better signpost people to potential support available to them.

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The new health and wellbeing strategy for Oxfordshire, 2024 - 2030, has been developed by Oxfordshire's Health and Wellbeing Board – the partnership between local NHS services, the county council, the city and district councils and Healthwatch Oxfordshire.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Chair of the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board said: “Health in the county is generally good compared with the national picture. Residents live longer here than elsewhere and remain healthy into older age for longer than the national average.

“However, we still face many challenges: an ageing population, and increased demand for services, mental health and wellbeing remains a challenge, especially for our families, children, and young people.

“We know there are still significant inequalities in health outcomes in many areas of the county. People in our poorest neighbourhoods are experiencing worse health than our more affluent areas and are dying younger from avoidable conditions. This is a reflection of the national picture – the life expectancy gap is widening in the UK.

“We know that by working together there are many opportunities to be had to tackle this. This strategy provides a strong and unified vision for the county over the next six years. We hope that it will allow us to tackle many of the barriers that people face in seeking good health and wellbeing, by focusing on the things people need to be healthy – stable employment, a warm home and environments that encourage healthier living.

“We have already made tremendous progress and I am confident that with our new health and wellbeing strategy, we can achieve even more.”

The strategy can be read in full by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

The development and publication of the Oxfordshire health and wellbeing strategy is a statutory duty of the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board.

The board's joint working approach aims to improve everyone’s health and wellbeing, but especially of those people who have health problems or are in difficult circumstances due to age or vulnerability.

This strategy has been informed by the themes in the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care System Strategy published in March 2023. The new strategy also incorporates data and insight from the Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA 2023) of Oxfordshire’s population and the factors affecting health, wellbeing and social care needs.

In developing this strategy, more than 400 residents of Oxfordshire and diverse partner organisations responded to the strategy through a public consultation. Concerns and ideas expressed have been considered and incorporated into the final strategy.

Over 1,000 residents from many seldom heard communities were also engaged with to learn what challenges they face and what helps them stay well and healthy. Residents can find out more by reading Healthwatch Oxfordshire’s engagement report. 

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The #30chatsin30days campaign, organised by the Oxfordshire Men’s Health Partnership, a local network, which includes Oxfordshire County Council’s public health team, seeks to raise awareness of the impacts that social isolation can have on someone’s health.

The idea was conceived by Oxford-based Emma Garrety, who works and volunteers with organisations working with and supporting men, including veterans’ charities.

Inspiration for the campaign came to Emma when she recalled a visit from a male friend who knocked at her door following the sudden and traumatic death of his father.

Emma explained: “Faced with the grief and profound upset of my friend, I found it difficult to know how to start a conversation. I found it difficult to find the right words to support my friend. Despite initial hesitation, I managed to help by simply being there and then offering practical support by driving him home to his grieving family.

“This deeply moving experience inspired me to think, how might we all better respond to another person’s upset? How might we be able to have better conversations with those, especially men, facing a tough time?

“I thought to myself, surely it shouldn’t take a crisis to start these important conversations and that’s when I decided to pledge to have at least one meaningful conversation with someone every day in November..”

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Social isolation and loneliness is known to have a detrimental effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing.

“I know how difficult it can be for some people to open up and talk, especially about sensitive subjects, such as how you’re feeling – particularly for men. I hope that this campaign will inspire more people to start opening up and talking more.”

Given the focus on men’s health and wellbeing, the partnership is also promoting the more light-hearted hashtag #30chapsin30days to encourage more conversations with men.

Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion, said: “This November I am pledging to have a meaningful conversation on each of the 30 days of November as part of the Oxfordshire Men’s Health Partnership’s #30chatsin30days campaign.

“Sadly loneliness and isolation impact many of us and the #30chatsin30days campaign seeks to help address this issue and brighten someone’s days, including our own.

“We all know that ‘it’s good to talk’, so let’s make those connections count this November. Why not join me and make your pledge today?”

There are also several opportunities to connect for those living in Carterton. Evening events will take place at Lynwood & Co Café in Carterton (5.30pm -  7.30pm) on Thursday 2 November and Thursday 23 November.

There will also be activities and free oral cancer screening at Carterton Leisure Centre (Broadshires Way, Carterton, OX18 1AA) from 10am – 4pm on Thursday 21 November 2023.

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