North West of England Mental Well-being Survey findings

North West of England Mental Well-being Survey Findings

18,500 residents of the North West of England responded to an innovative new survey, which highlighted the importance of mental well-being in improving the lives of citizens.

The North West Mental Well-being Survey, launched on 25 January 2010, was undertaken to understand more about positive mental health and well-being. The survey found that there needs to be greater attention and effort on improving mental well-being in order to help people live healthier, happier and more productive lives.

The survey was the product of a collaborative effort between local authorities and primary care trusts across the region and was led by the Strategic Health Authority (NHS North West), Department of Health and the North West Public Health Observatory.

The findings of the survey revealed a clear link between general health and mental well-being, for example:

 Those with relatively high mental well-being were three-and-a-half times more likely than those with relatively low mental well-being to say they were in very good health;
 Those with low mental well-being were nearly five times more likely to say that their health was very bad or bad than those with high mental well-being.

The survey highlighted that individuals can benefit from being aware of what will improve their well-being. Dr Ruth Hussey, North West Regional Director of Public Health, commented: “This survey makes it clear that encouraging healthy lifestyles cannot be seen in isolation from improving mental well-being. Good mental well-being means we are motivated, optimistic and have the ability to make changes in our life, solve problems and tackle goals such as being more healthy.”

The survey findings will be shared with relevant bodies across the North West of England to support regional and local action to improve mental well-being. They will also be used alongside the ‘Five Ways to Well-being’, to increase awareness and individual action. Dr Hussey said. “The Five Ways to Well-being are five simple actions that we can all take to improve well-being in our everyday life: connect, be active, give, take notice, keep learning.” Liverpool Primary Care Trust, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, has already adopted the Five Ways to Well-being as the framework for their Year of Health and Well-being in 2010.

For more information on this topic please visit www.nwpho.org.uk or contact health@northwesthealth.eu for further details.

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