What matters most to your health?
What three things matter to your health?
We’re asking people across North Yorkshire: What three things matter most to your health?
Your answers will help shape health and care services, community support, and local planning. Because your experience matters.
It’s not just about healthcare. It’s about everything that affects your everyday life—whether that’s access to green space, more opportunities to be active, or support to manage money or housing stress. Your insights give us the full picture.
Quick snapshot of health in North Yorkshire:
- Nearly 65% of adults are overweight or obese, slightly above the national average of 64%, reports eDemocracy North Yorkshire.
- Around 39% of people locally often or sometimes feel lonely, with about 6% experiencing chronic loneliness, says Tackling Loneliness Hub.
- A growing number are living with long-term conditions and social isolation, while mental health pressures continue to rise.
We want to understand what would make the most difference in your area.
"What one thing would improve your health and wellbeing where you live or access care?"
Please be specific. Instead of saying "more support," tell us what kind and where. For example:
- “Evening mental health groups in Whitby”
- “Transport to hospital from rural Selby on weekday mornings”
- “A local place to talk about stress in Ripon”
- “Clearer information about what's available in Malton”
Why we’re asking — and who we need to hear from
North Yorkshire is often seen as a place of rolling hills, pretty towns and peaceful countryside. But that’s not the full picture.
In 2023, nearly 1 in 17 people in the county lived in a deprived area, where access to healthcare, support, and even basic opportunities to stay well can be much harder. For many, things like social isolation, housing stress, or transport barriers make a big impact on their health. This was echoed in our rurality and barriers to healthcare report.
At Healthwatch, we’re committed to listening to everyone — especially those whose voices are often missed.
By sharing what matters to you, you help us show decision-makers what’s really needed — not just in city centres or well-served areas, but across all parts of North Yorkshire, from coastal towns to rural villages.
We use what you tell us to inform our regular “What Healthwatch heard” reports. These are shared directly with the NHS, North Yorkshire Council, and community organisations, who use them to shape services, policies, and local support.
What three things help your health the most?
We’re asking people to think about these 10 key areas:
- Someone to support or motivate you
- Help with the cost of healthy food or fitness
- Support using apps or health tools
- Less stress about money or housing
- Time in nature or safer places to walk
- Clear, simple information about where to go
- Flexible appointments that fit around your life
- Help with transport to health services
- Care that's closer to home
- A friendly face who really listens
How your voice makes a difference
- Your feedback is anonymous
- Nothing you say will affect your care
- We’ll bring together what people tell us and share it with decision-makers
- We’ll publish public updates in July and October so you can see what we heard and what happens next
Where you can find us
We’re running stalls at libraries and hospitals across North Yorkshire. Come along to say hello, ask questions, or fill in a paper version of the survey.
Selby:
Date: Monday 2 June 2025
Venue and address: Selby Library, 52 Micklegate, Selby YO8 4EQ
Time: 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM
Knaresborough:
Date: Wednesday 25 June 2025
Venue and address: Knaresborough Library, Town Centre, 40 Market Place, Knaresborough HG5 8AG
Time: 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM
Scarborough
Date: Thursday 26 June 2025
Venue and address: Scarborough Hospital, Woodlands Drive, Scarborough, YO12 6QL
Time: 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM
How to take part
There are a number of ways you can get involved:
- Online: Complete the short survey: What matters most to your health and wellbeing?
- Paper copies: Call 01423 788 128 or email hello@hwny.co.uk
- In person: Find us at local libraries and hospitals throughout the summer (details further down this page).
Every answer helps create change
We know being asked for feedback can feel repetitive—but every response helps us understand what really works and what needs to improve. The more informed we are, the stronger our voice when speaking to people in charge of services.
Together, we can shape a healthier future for North Yorkshire. It’s not just our campaign—it’s your voice in action.
