A new position within Hampshire County Council's cabinet has been created to focus on public health and wellbeing.

Cllr Russell Oppenheimer has been appointed as the executive member for health and wellbeing, with responsibility for public health and the council's relationship with the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector.

This role will provide additional support to Cllr Liz Fairhurst, the executive lead member for adult social care and public health.

The council has a legal duty to ensure the public's health, which involves various responsibilities such as advising on health issues, preparing for health emergencies, and addressing factors that lead to poor health.

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Cllr Russell Oppenheimer has been appointed as the executive member for health and wellbeing (Image: Hampshire County Council) It also commissions services to support individuals in making healthy lifestyle choices.

This includes support for domestic abuse, weight management, NHS health checks, alcohol and drug services, and helping to stop smoking, as well as support for children, young people, and their families.

Council leader Cllr Nick Adams-King said: "I am delighted to announce the appointment of Councillor Oppenheimer as our new cabinet member for health and wellbeing.

"This is particularly significant in our 'Year of Health and Wellbeing,' launched just a few weeks ago, marking the start of a 12-month focus by the county council and our partners on the development of activity, both within our own organisations and collectively, to help make Hampshire healthier by 2050.

"Hampshire is home to over 1.4 million residents, and our population is becoming more diverse, getting older, and living longer, which is good news but there are greater inequalities and more people experiencing lifestyle-related illnesses.

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"Through this new portfolio within our cabinet, dedicated to health and wellbeing, Councillor Oppenheimer will bring an even sharper focus to our strong commitment to improving the health and quality of life for everyone in Hampshire and effective working with our partners in the NHS to achieve the best outcomes for residents."

Cllr Adams-King continued: "The breadth of the county council’s statutory responsibilities for public health are considerable, and by continuing to work effectively with our partners and providing people with the tools they need to make positive changes and healthy choices, we can help even more Hampshire residents to live in better health for longer and rely less on health and social care services later in life.”

Cllr Oppenheimer will also chair the health and wellbeing board and play a lead role in developing the relationship with the Integrated Care Partnership and Hampshire Place Assembly.