- North-west England near Liverpool.
- Population of around 147,000.
- Increasing number of over 65. Higher proportion of under 14 than national average.
- One of worst areas for premature deaths in UK. Life expectancy lower than average.
- Common causes of death – cancer, circulatory and respiratory diseases.
Physical/Built Environment
- Open Space – 60% area designated green space. Important recreational and fitness value yet only 10% of residents use green space for exercise and health benefits.
- 69% of residents classed as obese or overweight – contributes to incidence of heart disease and diabetes. CBA – Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board encourage residents to engage in more physical exercise.
- Housing – over 27% failed to meet Decent Homes Standard. Issues with leaking roofs and insufficient insulation or heating. Cold and dampness are implicated in respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. CBA – Health Homes Assistance provides grants to help people improve standards of their homes.
- Air Quality – associated with respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Traffic pollution from two major motorways are main cause of poor air quality in Knowsley.
Socio-Economic
- Employment – high unemployment rates. Linked to unhealthy lifestyles like more likely to smoke. 24% of deaths in over 35s in Knowsley are due to smoking related illness. CBA -Knowsley Council offers free services to help quit. Also encouraging business to invest in area and provide jobs.
- Income – lower average income. Poorer people have lower life expectancies. Lower income is more likely to create mental health issues like depression. Low income families cannot afford to eat healthy diets as unhealthy options are more affordable.
- Education – 25% don’t have any qualifications. Has impact on lifestyle. Educated people less likely to smoke or be overweight. CBA – Knowsley Education Commission was launched to attract more outstanding teachers and improve facilities.
Attitudes Experiences
- Over half of residents think achieving a healthy lifestyle is too hard – less motivated to eat healthy or give up smoking.
- However, around a quarter think it can be enjoyable. Average consumption of fruit and veg is higher in Knowsley suggesting a positive attitude towards diet.
- Few facilities and little sense of community and social cohesion can have negative effects on health.
- Crime is higher than UK average – can cause unhealthy stress and avoidance of public areas which could be used for exercise.
- Knowsley has several leisure centres which can help educate on diet and smoking. Council organises heritage walks to encourage physical activity and engagement with character of local area.