Women and girls across North Yorkshire have helped shape a draft plan aimed at improving health and wellbeing, following a public survey that received more than 1,600 responses.
The proposals were discussed at a conference at The Pavilions in Harrogate, attended by NHS professionals, community organisations, education providers, employers and local government representatives.
The draft North Yorkshire Women and Girls Plan aims to address health inequalities and improve support throughout women’s and girls’ lives.
Issues highlighted in the plan include menopause support, menstrual health, healthy ageing, mental and financial wellbeing, physical activity, safety and violence against women and girls.
The conference, organised by North Yorkshire Council, gave participants an opportunity to share experiences and discuss priorities before the plan is finalised.
Councillor Michael Harrison, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, said:
Women and girls experience unique health challenges throughout their lives and we know there is more we can do to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.
This conference was an opportunity to listen, learn and work together with partners to ensure the experiences and priorities of women and girls continue to shape the support and services available across North Yorkshire.
One initiative highlighted at the event was Girls’ Group Knaresborough, which provides support for girls who may be socially isolated, anxious or have additional needs.
The group aims to help participants build confidence, develop friendships and take part in activities in a safe and welcoming environment. It supports neurodivergent girls and young people with Down’s syndrome and physical disabilities, while also offering guidance and peer support to parents and carers.
Alice Farrell, youth lead at Girls’ Group Knaresborough, said:
The group supports neurodivergent girls as well as young people with Down’s syndrome and physical disabilities while also offering guidance and peer support for parents and carers.
Through a gradual and supported approach, the project helps participants increase their independence, wellbeing and involvement in community life, with some attending as their only regular opportunity to leave home and socialise.
The draft plan also proposes giving women and girls a stronger voice in the development of services, improving awareness of available support and increasing professionals’ understanding of women’s health issues.
It includes commitments to use local data and research to monitor progress and identify areas where further action is needed.
Louise Wallace, North Yorkshire Council’s director of public health, said:
We want girls and women to live safe and healthy lives and we want them to feel heard in their health and wellbeing plans.
The experiences shared at today’s conference highlight the importance of listening to women and girls and ensuring their voices help shape the services and support available to them.
From improving understanding of menstrual health and accessing healthcare, to building confidence through sport, community involvement and social connections, these stories show how the right support can make a real difference.
By working together with our partners and local communities, we can better understand the challenges women and girls face and take meaningful action to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities across North Yorkshire.
The plan is intended to provide a shared approach for the council, health services and community organisations to improve outcomes for women and girls across the county.