Liverpool: A WHO Healthy City
Find out how we work with communities and partners through the WHO Healthy Cities Network to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Liverpool is proud to be a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Healthy Cities Network since 1986.
Being a Healthy City means recognising that good health is influenced by much more than healthcare. The homes we live in, the jobs we have, the quality of our environment, access to education, transport, green spaces and strong communities all play an important role in shaping our health and wellbeing.
What is a Healthy City?
The WHO Healthy Cities Network brings together cities across Europe that are committed to improving health and wellbeing.
Healthy Cities promote a 'Health in All Policies' approach by considering health and wellbeing in decisions about:
- housing
- transport
- planning
- education
- climate action
- economic development
Liverpool's vision for a healthier city
As part of the WHO Healthy Cities Network, we’re committed to:
- reducing health inequalities across the city
- giving every child the best start in life
- supporting people to live healthier for longer
- creating healthy, sustainable neighbourhoods
- improving mental wellbeing and social connections
- tackling the causes of poor health early
- using evidence and research to improve services and outcomes
These priorities support Liverpool's wider ambition to become a Fairer, Healthier Liverpool, where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve good health.
What does this mean for you?
Being part of the Network helps shape many of the services, projects and improvements delivered across Liverpool.
This includes work to:
- improve access to vaccinations, screening and NHS Health Checks
- support people to stop smoking, drink less alcohol and maintain a healthy weight
- encourage walking, cycling and physical activity
- improve parks, green spaces and neighbourhood environments
- protect communities from infectious diseases and environmental hazards
- support good mental health and wellbeing
- help residents stay safe during extreme weather and public health emergencies
- reduce inequalities by focusing support where it is needed most
Read the Director of Public Health’s update as Liverpool marks 40 years of WHO Healthy Cities.
Working together for a healthier Liverpool
Improving health is a shared responsibility. Liverpool works closely with partners to deliver long-term improvements that benefit everyone.
This work supports:
- Fairer, Healthier Liverpool – our Marmot City programme to reduce health inequalities.
- Liverpool Health and Wellbeing Board – brings organisations together to improve health outcomes.
- Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Liverpool – ensures that decisions are informed by evidence and research.
- Liverpool's wider ambitions to create a greener, more inclusive and sustainable city.
How you can get involved
You can play your part in creating a healthier city by:
- accessing local health services and preventative support
- attending health checks and screening appointments when invited
- keeping your vaccinations up to date
- taking part in local community activities and wellbeing programmes
- sharing your views through public consultations and engagement opportunities