Now we're a healthy city

WARRINGTON has become the first “town” in the UK to be designated a “healthy city.”
The town joins 15 cities across the country and 30 “healthy city networks” across Europe as a member of the UK Healthy Cities Network.
It is only the fifth area in the North West to be granted the status.
Cllr Pat Wright (pictured), the borough council’s executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “This network looks to tackle health inequalities through close partnership working and the sharing of best practice amongst members. In joining it, Warrington will have chance to inform and influence local, regional and national policy.”
Warrington’s health and wellbeing board submitted an application to join the network earlier this year.
From its involvement, the town can learn lessons regarding initiatives to tackle wider determinants of health and approaches to enhance wellbeing.
Chairman of the local health and wellbeing board, Professor Steven Broomhead said: “Achieving such designation demonstrates the ambition which Warrington has and is determined to achieve at a national level.”
The network was established with funding from the Department for Health and the World Health Organisation.
More information can be found at www.healthycities.org.uk
Other North West “healthy cities” include Manchester, Liverpool and Preston.