Welcome to Sefton’s 2024/25 Public Health Annual Report
This year, we shine a spotlight on the wellbeing of young adults aged 18 to 25, a group navigating one of life’s most transformative stages. From education and employment to relationships and identity, these years are full of change, opportunity, and challenge. In Sefton, we believe that supporting young people to thrive is not just a public health priority, it’s a shared community responsibility.
Recognising the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this age group, we’ve taken a strength-based approach to explore what keeps young people well. Rather than focusing solely on problems, this report celebrates the protective factors, the relationships, spaces, activities, and services that help young adults feel mentally and emotionally strong.
To bring this to life, we commissioned photographer-researcher Tadhg Devlin to work directly with young people across Sefton. Through photography and storytelling, they’ve shared their lived experiences, offering powerful insights into what wellbeing looks and feels like to them in Sefton. Their voices are at the heart of this report.
The report is available in hard copy, which has been circulated in libraries across the borough, and also as a dedicated micro-website, designed to make the content more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
We were proud to launch this work at The Atkinson in Southport on 11 September 2025, where the photography exhibition was showcased alongside presentations from key contributors including the young people themselves, Margaret Jones, Cllr Mhairi Doyle, and others. The event also featured a wellbeing marketplace, connecting professionals and community partners with services that support young people across the borough.
This report is more than a publication; it’s a call to action. We invite you to reflect, engage, and collaborate as we work together to build a borough where every young person has the opportunity to feel well, be heard, and thrive.
Please click on the picture to view the full 2024/25 Public Health Annual Report 