RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say over the health and wellbeing priorities in Somerset for the next decade.

A nine-week consultation, launched yesterday (Friday), gives residents, organisations and communities the chance to let service providers know what they would like to see at the top of the agenda.

The results from the consultation, which ends on August 17, will inform a joint ‘Improving Lives’ strategy which sets out how all members of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board will work together over the next 10 years to improve the lives of residents.

Councillor Christine Lawrence, chair of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board at Somerset County Council, is keen to involve everyone in the consultation and hear their feedback on the four identified priorities.

“It is essential that these priorities are the right ones, which is why we want to consult with as wide a range of stakeholders as possible before the final version is agreed," she said.

“We believe it is about working in partnership to improve lives by informing, enabling, supporting our residents and communities to look after their own health and wellbeing and future prospects.

“This strategy explains how, over the next 10 years, we will do just that."

The Health and Wellbeing Board includes representatives from Somerset County Council, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, our District Councils, NHS England and Healthwatch who provide the customer voice.

The board has identified four priorities where they think partnership working could make the biggest difference to the people of Somerset:

• A county infrastructure that drives productivity, supports economic prosperity and sustainable public services

• Safe, vibrant and well-balanced communities able to enjoy and benefit from the natural environment

• Fairer life chances and opportunity for all

• Improved health and wellbeing and more people living healthy and independent lives for longer

These priorities have been developed taking into account the many different factors that influence the lives of our residents and communities for example; health and care services, housing, education and community safety. The priorities also consider the current health and care needs of people in Somerset.

Cllr Lawrence added: "Please take part in our consultation, read through the supporting explanations, see what a difference you can make, and help us work together to help all our residents and communities. ”

The new Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board ‘Improving Lives’ strategy will be published at the end of the year.

Visit www.somerset.gov.uk/improvinglives to take part in the consultation.