Croydon’s Director of Public Health is calling for coordinated action to tackle health inequalities
Croydon’s Director of Public Health is calling for coordinated action to tackle health inequalities affecting local communities. In her first report for the borough, Ruth Hutchinson urges partners across the Council, NHS, voluntary, community and faith sectors, businesses and local residents to unite behind a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach. She stresses that improving health is everyone’s business, and that bold and coordinated action across all sectors is essential to better support residents.
Her report sets out a clear roadmap to ensure that all policies – whether on housing, transport, education, employment, green spaces or community safety – helps every person in Croydon to thrive.
More residents are living longer but spending more of those years in poor health, which is affecting the cost to individuals, families, services and the wider economy.
Four major recommendations in the Director of Public Health’s report call for actions to create a fairer, stronger Croydon:
A formal Croydon Council Health in All Policies Framework to guide policy and service development;
Establish a central HiAP resource hub to equip teams with tools, guidance and expert support to drive this forward;
Embed population health in all policy areas including procurement, licensing, planning and commissioning to ensure health is at the heart of every decision;
Harness the power of the One Croydon Alliance, aligning partners around shared commitments to improve living conditions and reduce inequalities.
The report showcases powerful local initiatives already demonstrating HiAP in action. This highlights what is possible when organisations work together with shared purpose.
Such as, Council teams and Police seizing illegal vapes across the borough. Many contain dangerous levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other untested substances and often bypass safety checks. Officers carry out test purchases and target premises suspected of selling illicit products. They also educate young people about the risks of vaping and other age‑restricted items.
The Ethnicity Mental Health Improvement Programme (EMHIP) is improving access to mental health support for our many communities in Croydon through strong partnerships and community‑led action. Its mobile wellbeing hubs offer simple, drop‑in support in community settings.
The Council’s outreach and rough sleeping teams help people into suitable accommodation and provide ongoing support as they move on from temporary housing. New funding will also place a nurse within the team, strengthening both immediate and preventative work. They are also focused on helping new rough sleepers move quickly into stable housing, backed by wraparound support to prevent repeat homelessness.
Ruth Hutchinson, Croydon’s Director of Public Health, said: “A Health in All Policies approach provides a framework to act decisively. It brings together organisations, systems and communities to address the wider elements affecting our health such as housing, employment, environment, safety and social connections.
“Health must be at the centre of every decision we make as a borough. We cannot continue treating the consequences of poor health without addressing the causes. A Health in All Policies approach gives us the power to build a fairer, healthier Croydon, where every resident has the opportunity not just to live longer, but to live well.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, reinforced the importance of this collective aspiration: “By embedding health considerations into all our policies and decisions, we can create fairer opportunities for everyone to live longer, healthier lives. This timely report recognises that our health is shaped not only by any clinical care we receive, but also by the decisions made across every sector. Croydon is ready to lead the way, and we are calling on all partners to step forward and be part of this shared mission.”
Terry Crooke, Hub Team Manager at the Ethnicity & Mental Health Improvement Project (EMHIP), said: “When creating policies that shape people’s lives, we must put mental health and overall wellbeing at the centre, recognising the experiences and needs of the borough’s global majority community. When residents from all backgrounds are supported to be healthy in mind and body, they are better able to contribute, connect, and lead fuller lives. These are not optional considerations, they are the foundation for strong, thriving communities.”