From Public Health to Wellbeing The New Driver for Policy and Action

There has never been more awareness of the public health agenda, as policy-makers stress the importance of 'wellbeing'to the general public. But how can wellbeing be defined and measured? Should the promotion of wellbeing lie at the heart of all policy and legislation? Charting the history and evolution of the public health agenda, this insightful reader argues the place of wellbeing in local and national strategy. It identifies some of the critical events that have influenced the development of public health systems, and looks at the challenges for policy- makers and professionals in the formulation and delivery of effective strategies for the future. With contributions from academics and practitioners working within the public, voluntary and private sectors, the book explores the challenges of defining and promoting wellbeing: across the lifespan, from childhood and youth to older age through a range of approaches, such as town planning and partnership working within a variety of settings, including the workplace, the community and the National Health Service. Grounded with grassroots examples of local strategy in action, From Public Health to Wellbeing offers fresh insights into the promotion of wellbeing in thetwenty-first century. It is a valuable resource for students of public health, health promotion, the social sciences and social policy, as well as for any practitioner supporting health promotion within the public, private or voluntary sector.