Annual reports and policies

Focussing on public health

Every year the Director of Public Health at Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster Council produces a report which focusses on a key public health issue in the two boroughs. The aim of the report is to highlight a specific area of concern and make recommendations for change.

Our 2025 Annual Public Health Report shares what local children and young people say they need to be healthy, happy and safe. The findings come from a large health and wellbeing survey completed by more than 1,350 pupils across primary, secondary and special schools.

This is the first time we have collected this level of insight directly from young people on such a wide range of issues. The results will help shape services and support across schools, health, and the wider community.

What the survey asked

Pupils were invited to share their experiences on:

emotional wellbeing and mental health
healthy eating, oral health and physical activity
alcohol, smoking, vaping and drugs
healthy relationships and sexual health
safety, bullying and online experiences

Special schools received an adapted, accessible version of the survey so all children could take part.

What we learned

Emotional wellbeing

Many children feel supported and know who to talk to if they are worried. However, issues such as bullying, online harms, and anxiety remain challenges. Some children are seeing worrying or upsetting content online, and emotional wellbeing needs increase as pupils get older.

Healthy eating and physical activity

Most children brush their teeth regularly and enjoy being active, but many do not meet recommended activity levels or “five a day” fruit and vegetable intake. There is a clear drop-off in sleep, physical activity and healthy eating as children move into secondary school. Tooth decay and unhealthy weight continue to be concerns, especially in more deprived areas.

Vaping, smoking, alcohol and drugs

Most younger pupils have not tried these substances, but experimentation increases in secondary school. Vaping is becoming a greater concern nationally and locally. A small but important number of pupils have been offered cannabis or have tried alcohol, highlighting the need for prevention and early support.

Healthy relationships and safety

Most children and young people understand what healthy friendships look like. Some secondary pupils reported controlling behaviours in relationships, and only a small proportion know where to access free sexual health support. Education on consent, respect and safe relationships remains essential.

How the findings will be used

The results will help us, the NHS and schools to:

strengthen early support, especially for emotional wellbeing, healthy eating, oral health and substance misuse
target help to the areas and communities facing the greatest inequalities
improve safety and online resilience through education and prevention
support whole school approaches to health and wellbeing
ensure children’s voices shape decisions, programmes and campaigns
monitor trends by repeating the survey until 2029

Every school that took part receives a grant to act on its own results - such as improving playgrounds, delivering mental health support, or enhancing PSHE.

Why this matters

Children and young people’s experiences today impact their health, learning and life chances in the future. By listening to what they tell us and acting together across schools, services and communities, Kensington and Chelsea aims to ensure every child can grow up healthy, safe and able to thrive.