Our local community

The city is recognised nationally for its young population, its diversity (one in six people is estimated to be from the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender community), its cultural life and intellectual business activities.

Brighton and Hove resembles many other seaside cities, with its areas of deprivation and complex health profile.

While its vibrant economy brings prosperity for many, others live on low incomes and benefits. The health of people in Brighton and Hove is generally worse than the England average, and inequalities abound.

Men from the most deprived areas can expect to live seven years less than those in the least deprived areas. Ten thousand children live in low income households.

Most preventable deaths are caused by the same major killers that affect the rest of the county: coronary heart disease, cancer and respiratory diseases.

Other significant health issues for the city include high levels of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, mental health, suicide, alcohol, drugs, substance misuse and teenage pregnancy.

We and our partners are tackling these and other issues through the Healthy City programme.

You can get more information about health in Brighton and Hove from the Useful links and Documents sections on this page.