Men raised in deprived areas die nine years sooner

MEN raised in the most deprived areas of Gloucestershire die almost nine years sooner than those from the more affluent parts of the county.

A recent report on health inequalities has highlighted the stark differences in the standard of living that persist across the county.

There are 12 parts of Gloucestershire that fall within the 10 per cent most deprived areas nationally and a total of 31 within the top 20 per cent.

As a result of this, a boy raised today in the least deprived area of the county can expect to live on average 8.7 years longer than a boy raised in the most deprived area, and a girl 6.5 years longer.

To improve the situation, Gloucestershire County Council will soon be inviting grant applications from the ten most deprived wards and a total of £1.5m will be made available.

The most deprived wards identified in the report are Podsmead, Tuffley, Barton and Tredworth, Matson and Robinswood, Moreland, Kingsholm and Wotton, Westgate, St Mark’s, St Paul’s and Cinderford.

Public health and communities cabinet member Nick Housden (C, Stonehouse) said: “I don’t want anyone to be held back from opportunities as a result of where they live. Unfortunately, that is the case for some areas in our county.

“People living in these areas are full of potential, talent and enthusiasm – they just need to be given the same opportunities as others.

“We are looking for creative ideas to boost these communities from the people who know them best. So whether you need funding for a community building or support to launch a new club, please apply.

“Levelling up is about the communities driving what they really need and us supporting this work in any way we can, not the county council telling communities what to do. I cannot wait to see the exciting and brilliant schemes to come from this funding and really start to level up Gloucestershire.”

> Public health and communities cabinet member Nick Housden