Programmes
Our work is structured into programmes designed to address the most pressing public health challenges and reduce health inequalities.
Each programme is supported by rigorous research and analysis, ensuring that our efforts are evidence-based and effective. Through our programmes, we aim to create healthier, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.
Through consultation with the Food Active North West network, we advocate for healthy weight in all policies; reducing the availability, marketing and advertising of less healthy food and drink; reducing food insecurity and increasing access to healthier food; and eliminating weight bias and discrimination.
Food Active has also worked with over 40 local authorities in regions across England on adoption of the Healthy Weight Declaration (HWD). This framework was developed in consultation with stakeholders across the North West, including Directors of Public Health and academic partners, to support local government in adopting a whole-systems approach to promoting healthy weight. Since its launch in 2015, it has been used by a wide range of councils to strengthen system leadership in policymaking and improve opportunities for communities to live healthier lives. More recently, the Declaration has evolved into a broader framework for use by NHS organisations and other statutory organisations that enables collaboration among partners at place level.
The programme has successfully integrated public health initiatives in both professional and community sports environments, helping to eliminate smoking in stadia during international sporting events and improving children’s oral health through coach-led, school-based interventions.
The Prevention Pledge is being delivered as a programme of work for provider trusts within the sub-region, underpinned by 14 ‘core commitments’ promoting healthier settings, workplace health and anchor institution practices. HEG is also delivering a programme for primary care networks and GP practices in Cheshire and Merseyside which is founded on six ‘core commitments’.
The Prevention Pledge is currently being adopted by all 15 provider trusts and a cohort of 18 primary care organisations with support provided by HEG through guidance materials, 1-2-1 drop-in sessions, and quarterly community of practice meetings.
The School’s Pledge is a whole-school framework designed to support healthier eating, physical activity, and overall wellbeing among pupils, staff, and families. The initiative promotes a supportive school culture and works in partnership with the wider community to address key health challenges facing children today.
Built around nine core commitments, the Pledge provides clear, practical actions to help schools create environments that prioritise health – from improving food and drink provision to encouraging more movement, active travel, and staff wellbeing. It supports schools to adopt sustainable approaches, strengthen their policies, and use data to monitor progress.
We know that many schools are already making positive changes. The School’s Pledge builds on this by offering tailored support, evidence-informed guidance, and resources that help embed a long-term, preventative approach to pupil health.
Together, we can create the conditions for children to grow up healthy and happy – and reduce the unfair health inequalities that too many still face.
Through campaigns and behaviour change interventions GULP seeks to support NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 approach to reducing health inequalities for children and young people whilst our policy team advocates for changes to local and national policy to reduce marketing and advertising and apply age restrictions to energy drinks.
GULP Sport is a key element of Health Equalities Group’s oral health improvement work, designed to reduce children’s exposure to sugar—sweetened beverages (SSBs) and build healthier hydration and oral hygiene habits. Delivered with professional sports club foundations, the programme utilises the cultural influence of community sports coaches to engage children in high—need areas, where oral health inequalities and free—sugar consumption are most pronounced.
Building upon learning generated from the Pennine Lancashire Healthier Place, Healthier Futures Project (one of five childhood obesity trailblazer programmes funding by the Department of Health and Social Care), the Lancashire Healthier Places programmes takes a system-wide approach to transforming the food environment, focusing on system leadership, business growth and development, and a social movement to promote healthier weight.
