A recent report unveils alarming trends in the health and wellbeing of children in England, indicating that the nation has some of the worst health outcomes in Europe. The findings, released by the Institute of Health Equity (IHE) and the children’s charity Barnardo’s, reveal that the health of children and young people has been deteriorating for approximately 15 years. Experts warn that England is failing its children, with significant disparities in health outcomes linked to socio-economic status and ethnicity.
In the foreword of the report, leading health expert Professor Sir Michael Marmot emphasizes the growing challenges many children face. He states, “England is failing its children. The social gradient in child health is steep and widening.” He highlights that numerous children are growing up in inadequate conditions, including cold and overcrowded homes, exposure to polluted air, and experiencing food insecurity. These factors significantly affect their overall development and future health prospects.
This report is part of a broader initiative by the Children and Young People’s Health Equity Collaborative (CHEC), which aims to enhance the healthcare system’s ability to address the social determinants of health. The collaborative includes the IHE, Barnardo’s, and several local health bodies. The report was launched at an event focusing on child health at The King’s Fund, where various initiatives aimed at improving children’s health in deprived areas were discussed.
One such initiative involves a program in Cheshire and Merseyside designed to help parents bond with their children and prepare them for school. Another project in Rotherham focuses on enhancing children’s emotional wellbeing through after-school activities. Such programs demonstrate the potential for community and healthcare collaboration to make a tangible difference in children’s lives.
The report outlines critical calls to action, advocating for systemic changes within local health systems to improve health outcomes for children. Rukshana Kapasi, director of health, quality, and inclusion at Barnardo’s, stresses the urgent need for national leadership to support these initiatives. “Every day across Barnardo’s services, we see children who are full of potential but held back by circumstances they cannot control,” she explains. “Poverty, unsafe housing, and unequal access to support mean these children are missing out on a good childhood and are more likely to have poor health and fewer chances in life.”
The report’s findings call for a comprehensive framework that local health systems can adopt to address the multifaceted challenges impacting children’s health. By integrating efforts across various sectors, including housing and education, there is potential for significant improvement in the health and wellbeing of children in England.
As the situation continues to unfold, the findings serve as a clarion call for policymakers and community leaders to take decisive action, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a healthy and supportive environment.
