Why it matters: The programme aims to tackle health inequalities between deprived and affluent areas in the region. In central Ipswich and Tendring, residents are more likely to be obese, smoke, and require emergency hospital care compared to areas like Framlingham and Great Bentley.
The big picture: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) staff are using routine patient interactions, such as outpatient appointments, to offer lifestyle support and referrals to specialist services.

By the numbers:
6,500 patients have been referred to support services
More than half of hospital inpatients referred to stop smoking services have successfully quit
23.8% of people in the most deprived areas smoke, compared to 6.8% in least deprived areas
Adult obesity rates are 2.4 times higher in most deprived areas
What they're doing: The trust has launched several targeted projects including:
A 20-week healthy eating programme for children called 'Nourish'
Inpatient stop smoking services at Ipswich hospital
Picture menus on hospital wards to encourage healthy eating
What they're saying: Sally Barber, associate director for health inequalities at ESNEFT, said: "Figures show that there is a significant difference in the quality of life experienced by people in our most deprived areas compared with that enjoyed by those in the least. Tackling health inequalities is therefore a priority for ESNEFT as we want to make sure that everyone gets the same opportunities and access to health and wellbeing support, regardless of where they live."
Bottom line: The trust plans to make the programme "business as usual" for its teams to help even more people improve their health and wellbeing in the future.
Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of PLMR Genesis, Start, Build & Grow and Gipping Construction

PLMR Genesis
PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.
Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?
If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
Gipping Construction
Based just outside Ipswich, Gipping Construction is an employee-owned construction company that operates in the private and public sectors across East Anglia.Ann Summers pulls out of Ipswich town centre
The lingerie and adult retailer will shut its Tavern Street store at the end of the month, putting a bit of a dampener on what has been a strong few weeks for Ipswich's high street, with several new openings.Partner's tears as justice delivered for beloved grandmother Anita Rose
Murdered dog walker Anita Rose's partner of 11 years broke down in tears as her killer, Roy Barclay, was convicted at Ipswich Crown Court today.Felixstowe man who fled country following construction death charges arrested in Scotland
Peter Clifford, 62, was arrested in Aberdeenshire this morning after failing to appear at Ipswich Crown Court for charges related to a fatal construction incident in Woodbridge in 2020.Ipswich Book Festival announces first events for October
Tickets are now on sale for the opening weekend of Ipswich Book Festival, featuring conversations with bestselling authors including Larry Lamb, Charlie Bingham and Roland Allen from 3-5 October.Ipswich coffee firm brews up support for mental health
Paddy & Scott's has created a new decaffeinated coffee called Clear Mind, donating 25p from each bag sold to Suffolk Mind to fund mental health services.PLMR Genesis, Start, Build & Grow and Gipping Construction

PLMR Genesis
PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.
Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?
If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.
Gipping Construction
Based just outside Ipswich, Gipping Construction is an employee-owned construction company that operates in the private and public sectors across East Anglia.Pregnant then screwed: Ipswich mum's viral post sparks nationwide conversation about parental discrimination
Jessica Kenningale had applied for more than 70 jobs when she noticed the pattern. In every single interview, the same question came up: "Will this job work around your childcare?" The Ipswich mum-of-two knew they weren't really asking about logistics – they were asking if being a parent made her a problem.Local kids lead fight against Ipswich littering problem
Children as young as seven are taking a stand against littering with eye-catching poster designs now appearing across the town.Ipswich spa snaps up college's top beauty therapy graduates
Riverhills Health Club and Day Spa has recruited three 18 and 19-year-old therapists straight from Suffolk New College's Level Three Beauty Therapy programme.Willis Building lights up pink ahead of Ed Sheeran concerts
Ipswich's iconic Willis Building has been illuminated pink as part of the town-wide campaign to welcome 90,000 Ed Sheeran fans this week.Ipswich to get enhanced bus services as Suffolk launches biggest expansion since 1998
Ipswich and the surrounding communities will get new and improved bus routes from late August, funded by a £2.8m government grant.PLMR Genesis, Start, Build & Grow and Gipping Construction

PLMR Genesis
PLMR Genesis is a full-service PR and digital marketing agency based in Ipswich. The team is the East of England flagship for PLMR.
Wanting to start or grow your business in Ipswich?
If you have a business idea you need help launching, or a new business you need support getting established, SBG is a fantastic free programme created just for you.