Women and girls asked to shape the future of their health and wellbeing

In 2022, the UK Government introduced the first Women’s Health Strategy to improve health outcomes for women and girls, with a particular focus on healthcare. Despite living longer than men on average, women in the UK spend a greater proportion of their lives in poor health and disability.

Building on this national strategy, North Yorkshire Council is developing a local plan that goes beyond healthcare alone, aiming to improve the overall physical, mental, and social wellbeing of women and girls across the county.

Women's Health Strategy - Easy-read version

Late last year, women and girls from across North Yorkshire shared their experiences in a survey that built on discussions from the Women’s Health Conference in Harrogate, which was attended by around 140 people.

Healthwatch North Yorkshire and North Yorkshire Council wanted to understand more about how women feel, the challenges they face, and their experiences navigating health and wellbeing. The survey explored topics such as contraception, breast health, routine check-ups, healthy ageing, pregnancy, infertility, cervical screening, mental health, emotional wellbeing, menopause, and managing long-term conditions. Recognising that  women’s health encompasses physical, mental, and social wellbeing, the survey also asked about the availability of support, access to services, and quality of information.

All responses were confidential and are now being used as part of work to help North Yorkshire Council shape the new women's health action plan. The goal is to ensure services and support reflect the real experiences and needs of local women and girls.

Why is it important? For many reasons. In North Yorkshire, women face unique challenges that require targeted action. For example, research from the University of York shows that girls born in Yorkshire and the Humber between 2018 and 2020 can expect to live in good health only until around 62.1 years—significantly lower than those in the South East of England.

Additionally, one in five women aged 55–59 in the North are unpaid carers, supporting family members with illness or disability. Women here also face economic disparities, earning less than their counterparts in other parts of the country, which further impacts their quality of life.

We will keep you posted on progress.