The Public Health Annual Report (PHAR) was the independent annual report of the Director of Public Health and was a statutory requirement. The 2019 Report, Creative Communities, explored the role of culture as a means of improving health and wellbeing; presented local examples of these bene?ts; and called for everyone in Wirral to be part of a Borough of Culture legacy that left people happier and healthier.

The Director for Health and Wellbeing presented the report. As part of the information gathering, issues had been discussed with residents at a range fo events. Three recommendations had emerged for partners organisations to put into effect:

1. Seek out opportunities in our lives and communities for arts and culture to help to keep people well and living longer, better lives.
2. Ensure that the legacy of Wirral’s Borough of Culture year contributed to the development of a healthy and health-creating borough.
3. Secure a commitment from health partners to work with arts and cultural organisations to ensure that culture for health and wellbeing becomes integral to organisational, and commissioning strategies.

Members supported the method, work and findings of the report and thanked the team for creating it.

Resolved - That the recommendations of the Public Health Annual Report 2019 be endorsed and its publication be supported.