Health and Wellbeing

Longer, happier and healthier lives

We all want to live longer, happier and healthier lives and promoting the health and wellbeing of our residents is an important part of what we do. 

Many factors combine to affect the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, not just the use of health care services. This includes individual circumstances and the local environment such as where we live, inherited characteristics, income, education, life experiences, behaviours and choices, and our relationships with family and friends. These factors are often referred to as the "wider determinants of health".   

We are in a good position to influence many of these factors not just through our core services but also our wider leadership role supporting communities and influencing other organisations. Through our work, we want to create a more vibrant and healthy place for people to live and work.  

There are many ways to stay healthy and active in the Dover district. For example, did you know that we look after more than 200 parks, open spaces, play areas, allotments, commons and woodlands? Please see our  Leisure & Tourism pages for further information on how you can get active in the district.  

New Year, New You!

Whether it’s moving more, or eating healthier food, there are lots of simple ways to kickstart your health in 2023 with support from One You Kent’s healthy weight support service. 

Around 3 in 5 adults in the county, 63% of the adult population, live with an increased risk of developing serious diseases such as common cancers, heart disease, and chronic back, because of being overweight.

But shedding excess pounds can reduce these risks, including the chance of becoming seriously ill with COVID, and One You Kent can help residents make it happen.

Teaming up with NHS’ Better Health campaign, the healthy weight service offers lots of free tips and support online. You can also get information here about local activities such as healthy walks, plus nutritious recipes and the NHS Weight Loss Plan app – which has been proven to help people lose 13lbs (5.8kg) on average over just 12 weeks. 

Take control of your health

It's never too late to take control of your health. Take Public Health England's 'How are you' online health quiz to find out how you are doing.

Get the right treatment when you need it

Read the NHS Kent and Medway guide to local services and how to access them. 

Coronavirus

The government has removed remaining domestic restrictions in England. There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated (NHS.UK)
• Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside
• Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces

Find out more about living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19 (GOV.UK)