The following recommendations translate the Call to Action in our Executive Summary into practical areas of focus for the coming years.

Bexley’s long-term health depends on the environments in which residents live, work and grow. The evidence in this report shows that health is shaped far more by the conditions of daily life - housing quality, access to green space, school readiness, employment, social connections, and digital inclusion - than by healthcare alone.

Bexley’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment highlights persistent inequalities in these determinants, particularly in the north of the borough, where higher deprivation, greater ethnic diversity and younger population profiles drive different patterns of need.

The data also demonstrates that obesity remains Bexley’s biggest public health challenge, affecting one in four adults and more than one in five children, with rates often higher in deprived neighbourhoods. Obesity increases the likelihood of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal problems and poorer mental wellbeing. Local evidence, national guidance and community feedback all highlight that improving individual behaviour alone is not enough. Bexley must create supportive environments where healthy food, active travel, safe streets and welcoming green spaces are part of everyday life, helping the borough to meet its wider health challenges.

This includes limiting fast‑food outlets near schools, improving access to affordable and nutritious food, and enhancing walking and cycling options across all neighbourhoods. Evidence also supports restricting exposure to unhealthy food advertising, which can lower consumption of these products.

Reduce the concentration of travel infrastructure to make healthy choices easier. Reduce the concentration of fast-food outlets around schools, increase access to affordable nutritious food, and improve opportunities for walking and cycling across all neighbourhoods.

Improve access to good quality affordable housing

Evidence shows that poor housing, overcrowding and affordability pressures contribute to physical illness, stress and inequality. Work with housing partners to improve standards, support young and older people to live independently, and design developments that promote community wellbeing.

Strengthen mental health support and community resilience

Evidence from local needs assessments shows growing pressures on youth mental health, social isolation among older adults and increasing demand for accessible services. Continue to expand Talking Therapies, Mental Health Ambassadors, and suicide prevention training community-based programmes.

Advance neighbourhood-based working

LCN profiles, JSNA data and local insight show that communities in North Bexley, Clocktower and Frognal have different needs. By growing Local Care Networks and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, we can offer support that is joined‑up, personalised and firmly grounded within each local community.

Increase digital inclusion and confidence

Evidence shows that one in ten households nationally lack reliable digital access, limiting the ability to use health and wellbeing tools. Expand digital skills ‑support, provide community access points, and ensure local platforms are easy to navigate and inclusive.

Strengthen partnership working across the Council, NHS, ICB and voluntary sector

Local and national evidence shows integrated working improves access, reduces duplication and supports prevention. Enhance shared pathways, joint commissioning and delivery of services, and collaborative workforce planning.