Portsmouth City Council’s latest public health report reveals significant progress in combating smoking, substance abuse, and heart disease, whilst highlighting persistent challenges including childhood obesity, mental health concerns, and health inequalities across the city.
The Public Health Business Plan 2025 outlines eight priority areas, encompassing enhanced tobacco control measures, sexual health improvements, and environmental risk reduction strategies such as air pollution mitigation.
Smoking Decline Continues Despite Lower Success Rates
Portsmouth’s smoking prevalence has decreased to 10.1 per cent. The past year witnessed over 1,500 cessation attempts—an increase of 353 from the previous year—resulting in 647 successful quitters. Nevertheless, the success rate declined to 42.7 per cent, attributed by officials to expanded support reaching individuals facing greater cessation difficulties.
The “Swap to Stop” initiative, providing complimentary e-cigarettes, featured in nearly half of all cessation attempts. Community pharmacies and local programmes, including the Somerstown Social housing smoking cessation project, contributed significantly to these efforts.
Substance Use Support Expands
Adults receiving drug and alcohol support services increased to 1,924 by February 2024, rising from 1,468 in 2022. Young people’s services also experienced growth. Project W, a women-only service, is expanding whilst weekend operating hours have been introduced.
Despite improvements, Portsmouth maintains above-average drug-related fatality rates. Increasing ketamine usage amongst under-18s has prompted concern and fostered new hospital and prevention service partnerships.
Helen Atkinson, the council’s public health director, informed a recent health panel that “Portsmouth is a highly deprived city with high drug use,” noting that emerging synthetic drugs increase overdose risks.
She explained: “We’ve received additional government funding for substance misuse services over the past two years. Project W addresses women’s safety concerns in traditional services—they may have experienced domestic violence, and their abuser might also be accessing services.”
Cardiovascular Health Shows Improvement
Whilst cardiovascular disease remains a significant Portsmouth concern, advancement is evident. Blood pressure screening increased from 75.8 per cent in 2022 to 87.1 per cent in 2024—the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region’s best improvement. This achievement stems from NHS Health Checks, community outreach, and targeted high-need area support.
Obesity and Inactivity Persist
Obesity continues presenting serious challenges. Nearly one in four Year Six pupils are obese—double the school entry rate. Adult obesity remains marginally above national levels.
Physical inactivity affects many children, with half failing to achieve recommended daily 60-minute activity levels. The council addresses this through initiatives like the Active Portsmouth Alliance and increased outdoor activity provision.
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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Focus
Although the city’s suicide rate now approaches national averages, rising female suicide rates cause growing concern. A new five-year Suicide Prevention Action Plan targets improved early intervention, real-time data monitoring, and enhanced vulnerable resident support.
£5m Health Inequality Research Investment
Portsmouth has secured £5m from the National Institute for Health and Care Research to establish the Health Determinants Research Collaborative Portsmouth. This initiative will examine how housing, air quality, education, and additional social factors influence health outcomes—informing fairer, more effective policy development.
Air Quality Records First Improvement
For the first time in several years, the city’s air pollution-related mortality rate has fallen to 5.2 per cent—matching national averages. A new Air Quality Strategy is anticipated this autumn, whilst the council maintains focus on greener, climate-resilient planning, including school adaptation initiatives and a new Urban Forest Master Plan.
Community Champions Expand Reach
The Community Champions programme continues growing, with 27 volunteers disseminating health information across schools, religious venues, and online platforms. Achievements include blood pressure awareness campaigns and connecting individuals with smoking cessation services.
