Foreword

“I am delighted to present this year’s Public Health Annual Report — a report that reflects one of the most ambitious transformations of public health services Liverpool has ever seen.

Over the past year, we have not just improved services; we have reshaped how public health works for our city. From sexual health and addiction support to tobacco control, infection prevention, and our 0–19 offer, the scale of change has been significant. These are services that thousands of residents rely on every day, and we have made them stronger, more accessible, and more connected than ever before.

This transformation was not easy. It required listening deeply to our communities, understanding the barriers people face, and challenging ourselves to think differently. We asked what truly makes a difference to health and wellbeing — and we acted on it.

Today, our services are easier to reach, quicker to respond, and designed around people’s lives. Residents can get help earlier, stay engaged for longer, and experience care that is respectful and effective. We have built stronger partnerships, improved customer service, and created a system that focuses on prevention rather than crisis.

The impact is clear: more people are making positive choices, harm is being reduced, families are better supported, and children and young people are getting the best start in life. This is public health at its best — proactive, innovative, and fair.

I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. Liverpool’s public health system is now a model of partnership and progress, and we will keep pushing forward. Our commitment remains the same: to tackle health inequalities and ensure every resident has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible — our partners, providers, communities, and the people of Liverpool. Your insight and dedication have shaped a healthier future for our city. This report is proof of what we can achieve when we work together with ambition and purpose.”

“I’m proud to share this year’s Public Health Annual Report. It shows the real progress we’ve made in transforming services across Liverpool. We’ve improved how we deliver sexual health, tackle addictions, control tobacco use, prevent infections, and support 0–19 services. They all have one clear goal: to improve the lives of the people we serve.

Our role is to make sure services are effective, fair, and accessible. They must reflect the realities of our communities. This change has come from listening to residents and understanding their challenges. We are making sure the support they get is timely, respectful, and life changing.

We are already seeing results. More people are using services earlier. They stay engaged for longer. Awareness has grown, and the experience of using our services has improved. These changes show a system that is reactive, more connected, and focused on prevention — not crisis.

Across every area of change, the message is clear. When we invest in people, improve services, and work with communities, we create better outcomes. We reduce harm. We support families. We give children and young people the best start. And we help residents make healthier choices that last a lifetime.

This work is also central to our wider mission as a council. Tackling health inequalities and making sure every person in Liverpool can live a healthy, fulfilling life. Public health is not an add on; it is the foundation for a fairer city.

I want to thank our partners, providers, community organisations, and the residents who shared their experiences and shaped this change. Your insight and commitment are helping us build services that meet the needs of our city.

Together, we are creating a healthier, more resilient Liverpool. This report shows how far we’ve come.”