For decades, public health has been the lens through which society has tackled issues like disease prevention and life expectancy. But today's challenges — rising mental ill-health, persistent inequalities, and community disconnection — show that focusing on ‘health' alone is no longer enough.
To truly transform lives, we must shift our focus to public wellbeing. And once again, the North East has the chance to lead where others will follow.
From public health to public wellbeing - Public wellbeing goes beyond healthcare systems and the absence of illness. It is about creating the conditions where people can truly thrive — with good health, secure incomes, strong communities, a healthy environment, and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Other parts of the world are already making this shift. New Zealand's Wellbeing Budget, Wales's Future Generations Act, and Scotland's wellbeing economy approach all show what is possible. They have moved the focus upstream, tackling root causes rather than simply managing symptoms.
Now could be the time for the North East to do the same.
We are not starting from scratch. ~Whilst leader of Newcastle City Council, I recognised first-hand the need to broaden our approach — and helped start this shift through a series of actions including initiating the city's first Inclusive Economic Strategy, developed to ensure that economic growth benefitted all communities, not just the few, establishing the first city-wide Anti-Poverty Strategy that recognised that tackling material hardship is fundamental to improving people's lives, and appointing a joint director of public health with our neighbours in Gateshead, recognising that health challenges — and solutions — do not stop at city boundaries.
I am aware of the multiple examples of good practice being adopted in local authorities across the North East, and these could all be harnessed and maximised. These steps have moved many local authorities closer to a wellbeing-focused model but with the establishment of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority, and the potential for deeper alignment with the Tees Valley Combined Authority, we now have the chance to go much further.
The North East is perfectly positioned to lead a wellbeing revolution. As a region that has persistent inequalities this means we have the strongest case — and the strongest moral imperative — to act. As a region we have a history of innovation which shows we are willing to pioneer new ways of working. The new regional structures offer the chance to work across traditional boundaries, integrating services, investments, and strategies. As a region our powerful sense of identity can bind people together around a new, positive narrative: this is a region where people are supported not just to survive, but to thrive.
By embedding wellbeing as the central organising principle for public policy — across health, education, housing, transport, economic development, and culture — we could create a North East model that sets the standard nationally.
Imagine a North East where economic success is judged not simply by GDP, but by how many people live fulfilling, healthy lives. Where urban development is measured by community strength as well as new buildings.
Where public spending is judged by its impact on hope, opportunity, and belonging.
This future is within reach. With vision, collaboration, and leadership, the North East can once again show the rest of the country what true innovation looks like.
It's time to lead the UK's shift from public health to public wellbeing — and to build a region where every person has the chance to thrive.
Nick Kemp is an independent councillor at Newcastle City Council, former leader of the council and owner of NKA Public Affairs
