Levelling up to reduce health inequality
Speaking in an opposition day debate on health inequality gave me the opportunity to draw attention to the barriers that some of our constituents face when trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Things such as poor local transport, low income, even limited access to knowledge through digital exclusion - all contribute to health inequality.
Preventing disease and encouraging healthy lifestyles are key drivers in reducing poor health and early deaths in all communities, but particularly in more deprived areas.
As human beings, we exist not in isolation but in relationship to those around us. Relationships with our family, friends and communities are so important, and they are often our first port of call when we have health concerns.
I believe that levelling up our left-behind areas isn't just about better buses and trains; it's about investing in communities too.
Whilst we need to make every effort to reduce health inequalities by funding our NHS, raising incomes, improving infrastructure and helping people gain access to information, we must also recognise the importance of family, friends and community in helping us to improve our health. Community groups such as lunch clubs, park runs, parent and baby groups are so important for our mental and physical wellbeing - we all need encouragement and support to live healthy lives.
This is why I welcome this Government's manifesto commitment increasing the National Living Wage and to a programme of strengthening families and championing family hubs.
