Nottinghamshire County Council has published the 2024-2025 Director of Public Health and Communities Annual Report, which this year shines a spotlight on the health of women and girls across the county. Drawing on insights from nearly 1,000 local women and shaped by their lived experiences, the report sets out both the challenges and opportunities for improving women’s health over their lives.

The 2024-2025 women’s health report is presented as a collection of accessible material, including a video and executive summary, as well as data packs for offering a more thorough look into the detail.

Vivienne Robbins, Director of Public Health and Communities for Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This year’s report takes its direction from the voices of women and girls in Nottinghamshire. It highlights the health issues they face and the barriers they encounter. It also sets out a call to action to ensure every woman is heard, supported and able to live not just longer, but in better health.”

Women and girls make up 51% of the population in Nottinghamshire, yet evidence shows they are living more years in ill health compared to men. Many respondents to the county-wide survey reported feeling they were not listened to by health professionals, particularly when seeking help for women-specific conditions, such as access to contraception, gynaecological care, menopause support, and mental health services.

The report also highlights health inequalities faced by women from marginalised backgrounds, including those with caring responsibilities, women whose first language is not English, and those living in areas of deprivation. Over 70% of women surveyed felt that their caring responsibilities impacting their health and wellbeing.

Vivienne explains: “Although we heard from many women, their experiences are not all the same. The report acknowledges the inequities some women face and underlines the need for services that recognise and respond to this.”

The survey respondents reported that the most important factors to improve women’s wellbeing were being more physically active, spending more time with family and friends, including achieving a better work-life balance and eating a healthier, more balanced diet. With these in mind, the report’s recommendations focus on building strong foundations for women’s health by improving access to services, addressing stigma, investing in prevention, and co-producing services with the women they are intended to serve.

For more information on the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2024-2025, to watch the video and read the document, please visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/dph-annual-report