One hundred years of public health progress in Stoke-on-Trent

A new council report is to look back at a century of health and wellbeing in Stoke-on-Trent - while setting out priorities for the future.

This year’s Director of Public Health Annual Report marks the city’s Centenary by tracing how the health of local people has changed since 1925, from the challenges of industrial disease in the pottery and mining trades, through the Second World War and the creation of the NHS, to today’s efforts to tackle inequalities.

The report celebrates local milestones – from boosting childhood vaccination rates in the 1960s to the city’s role in fighting for justice for victims of thalidomide – and reflects on how social, political and economic changes have shaped lives across generations.

The report also looks to the future and what more can be done today to help people live longer, healthier lives. It sets out eight recommendations for residents, communities and the council. These include promoting mental wellbeing, supporting people to be active, reducing preventable illness linked to smoking, alcohol and poor diet, creating more good jobs and homes, and strengthening services within neighbourhoods.

Alongside analysis of public health data, the report shares stories gathered in partnership with the Beth Johnson Foundation.

Through intergenerational workshops, older residents reflected on the progress they have seen across their lifetimes, while younger people spoke about their hopes and aspirations for the future – for a cleaner, greener and more sustainable city.

Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “Stoke-on-Trent being made a city by act of King George V was a moment of huge historic importance and I wanted this year’s annual report to reflect that.

“It’s a legacy piece – a record of our public health journey that will provide a document of our achievements for years to come.

“By looking back at the last 100 years we can see just how much progress has been made, but also where we need to go next. Stoke-on-Trent has always been a city of communities, and by working together we can make sure the next century is healthier and happier for everyone.”

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Stoke-on-Trent is a city with deep roots, proud people and strong communities.

“Looking back over that history of Stoke-on-Trent there is such a rich tapestry of culture and creativity, of innovation and of production.

“Our whole city is marked by its history. We’ve faced challenges, but we’ve also achieved so much together. This report is a reminder of where we’ve come from – and an invitation to keep building a city we can all be proud to call home. I hope anyone who reads it will feel the same hope for the future of this city that I do.”

The Director of Public Health Annual Report 2025 will launch at an event later this year.