Data reveals top ten neighbourhoods in Wakefield district where residents’ health is worst

The funding is aimed at tackling health inequalities by working with residents to help improve their long-term wellbeing.

A report to senior councillors identifies Airedale Ferry Fryston, in Castleford, as the area where residents are in poorest health.

According to figures, the area has a population of 16,660, with more than 20 percent of households in fuel poverty.

The obesity rate for the area is 38.5 percent and 29.8 percent of residents are smokers.

Second on the list is Eastmoor, in Wakefield.

With a population of 11,821, it has the joint-highest percentage of people identified as having a serious mental illness (1.3).

South Kirkby is ranked third, where the obesity rate is 36.6 per cent and 4.5 per cent are identified as having COPD.

The seven other neighbourhoods on the list, in order, are: Kinsley, Lupset, Wakefield city centre, Hemsworth, Knottingley, Featherstone and Whitwood.

Wakefield Council’s Cabinet is expected to approve the funding at a meeting on Tuesday (November 8).

The funding will be used to focus on preventing ill health through early intervention with residents.

The report states: “Not all areas of Wakefield district enjoy the same level of positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

“Some areas have significantly poorer mental and physical health.

“Indicators for poorer health cluster together in certain neighbourhoods which is why it makes sense to take a place-based approach.”

If approved, the funding would support the Building Healthy and Sustainable Communities initiative which works with marginalised families who are isolated or do not engage with services.

Councillor Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Health, said: “We are looking to take positive action by investing resources in communities and in community activities that help people and make a long-term difference to their physical and mental health.

“We want everyone in our district to have good health and to enjoy a great quality of life, and this investment would help us towards this goal.”

The Council’s Corporate Plan 2022-24 identifies the need to support people to have better health.

Its Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2022 – 2025 makes a commitment to target investment to those with the greatest need.