Suffolk County Council is getting ahead of Clean Air Day by joining forces with health partners across Suffolk and Essex to launch a new campaign that helps healthcare professionals talk to patients about air pollution in as little as 30 seconds.
A joined-up approach to cleaner air
The initiative, funded by Suffolk County Council and Colchester City Council’s DEFRA air quality funding, brings together NHS partners and local Primary Care Networks to raise awareness of the health impacts of air pollution and the simple steps people can take to reduce their exposure.
Why air pollution matters for our health
Air pollution is one of the most significant preventable public health threats in the UK, contributing to around 30,000 deaths each year. It is linked to a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, cancer, stroke and dementia, as well as affecting children’s development and increasing health inequalities.
Everyone is affected by air pollution, but some people are particularly vulnerable, including older adults, pregnant women, children, and those with existing heart or lung conditions.
Research shows people are more likely to trust and act on advice from healthcare professionals, making routine appointments a key opportunity to share practical guidance.
A simple conversation that can make a difference
The campaign introduces a ‘Very Brief Advice’ approach, based on the proven Ask, Advise, Act model used in smoking cessation. This enables healthcare professionals to start a quick conversation with patients and direct them to simple actions that can help protect their health, such as choosing routes away from busy roads, improving ventilation at home and reducing everyday sources of indoor pollution.
To support this, partners have developed a package of training and resources, including short videos, briefing materials and patient-facing leaflets. These tools make it easy for busy healthcare professionals to include air pollution advice in everyday consultations.
Jenny Casey, Respiratory Nurse Specialist, is amongst the first in Suffolk to make use of the resources as part of her training offer. She said:
“Air pollution is an important and often overlooked public health issue that can significantly affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. I welcome this collaborative Suffolk and Essex programme, which provides healthcare professionals with practical information and resources to help raise awareness of air pollution and support patients in taking simple steps to reduce their exposure.”
Cllr Paul Sutton, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Suffolk County Council, said:
“Clean, unpolluted air makes a difference to the health and wellbeing of people of all ages. I’m pleased to be working with partners, supporting healthcare professionals to have these crucial conversations with patients to raise awareness of the issue.”
Cllr Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Environment at Colchester City Council, said:
“Clean air is essential for our health and wellbeing, and this campaign shows how we can all play a part in reducing our exposure to pollution. By working with trusted healthcare professionals, we are helping residents better understand the risks and the small steps they can take in their daily lives to protect themselves and their families.
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when local authorities and health partners work together to make a real difference to people’s health.”
The campaign will officially launch on Clean Air Day, Thursday 18 June, aligning with national efforts to improve awareness of air pollution and its impact on health.
Patients and residents can find more information about the campaign, including practical advice on reducing exposure to air pollution at home and outdoors, at www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/air-quality-advice.
Suffolk County Council and its partners hope the initiative will help more people understand the risks of air pollution and feel empowered to make small changes that can have a positive impact on their health.
