Welcome to Want That Change

Welcome to Want That Change
At Want That Change, we recognise the growing need for community-driven solutions to improve health and wellbeing in Tameside. With over 232,000 residents, of whom more than 70% are overweight or obese, and 32.4% classified as inactive, the time for positive change is now. Across Tameside, approximately 58,000 adults experience mental health issues, with nearly 5,700 affected in Denton alone. In addition, 30% of adults in Tameside have high blood pressure, while 40% suffer from high cholesterol, resulting in over 25,000 people in Denton battling these preventable health concerns.

Health in the Community: NHS Reform and Prevention
As the government works to reform the NHS, there is a growing emphasis on community-based health initiatives as a preventative measure. Instead of relying solely on treating illnesses once they develop, the focus is shifting towards preventing chronic conditions and improving wellbeing through lifestyle changes. Local community programmes like Want That Change play a critical role in this shift by helping people adopt healthier lifestyles before problems escalate. Preventative care, especially through exercise, improved diets, and mental health support, is seen as key to alleviating pressure on the NHS and promoting healthier, longer lives for all.

When compared to the UK average, Tameside has a lower life expectancy—around 76 years for men and 80 years for women, compared to the national average of 79 years for men and 83 years for women. This gap represents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for positive change. By adopting holistic approaches that focus on education, lifestyle improvements, and personalised health management, there is no reason we can't push these figures upwards. Through reversing or better managing common health concerns, we aim to improve quality of life and extend healthy years for our local residents.

Loneliness and Social Isolation
In addition to physical and mental health challenges, loneliness and social isolation are growing concerns in Tameside. An estimated 33% of adults in Tameside report feeling socially isolated, with older residents being particularly affected. In Denton, this could mean around 12,000 people are struggling with loneliness, a factor closely linked to mental health decline and increased health risks, such as cardiovascular disease and depression. At Want That Change, we aim to combat these issues by fostering social connections through group activities, community support programmes, and networking opportunities that bring people together and help them feel a sense of belonging.

Addressing Work Inactivity and Wellbeing
Beyond physical health, our community faces challenges with inactivity, both in terms of work and lifestyle. A significant portion of residents, whether due to age, disabilities, or health issues, are unable to work. While some will not be able to re-enter the workforce, it’s vital that they still have access to support that enables them to lead healthier, happier lives. For those unable to work, we provide resources, education, and wellness programmes to help manage their conditions and improve their overall quality of life.

For those who can work, but may be inactive due to redundancies or other circumstances, we offer local initiatives to get them back into the workforce or even help them explore starting their own businesses. These initiatives also open up opportunities to pass on valuable skills and knowledge to others, creating a cycle of growth and support. More than 11,000 people in Denton could benefit from these programmes, which in turn help to revitalise our local economy and create new opportunities for collaboration and business growth.

Our mission is to tackle these challenges holistically, providing education, personalised support, and facilitating collaboration between businesses and residents. Want that change is committed to transforming Tameside one town at a time, starting with Denton. Together, we can build a healthier, more prosperous community for all.