Oldham charities despair at new life expectancy figures

Two local good cause leaders have expressed their horror at new national figures showing that the amount of time Brits spend in good health has declined by around two years.

Dr Anita Sharma and Maria Williams, respective bosses at Endometriosis Awareness North and CROWN, are also mortified that the schism between wellbeing in rich and poor areas is widening – particularly for women. 

The Healthy Life Expectancy Report has seen Britain slump to second bottom in a table of the 21 most successful economies in the world. 

Health Inequalities are a problem Oldham is only too aware of with overall life expectancy in the Alexandra ward trailing that in Saddleworth South by a full 13 years. 

In their dealings with communities, both Dr Sharma and Maria have noticed a health decline caused by increased poverty, dwindling public services and a dis-interest from decision-makers. 

“Upturn who runs the CROWN initiative visits some of our borough’s neediest neighbourhoods in our campervan, Hope,” revealed Maria (pictured below).  

“In some cases, people are struggling to afford basic nutritious food, find it hard to register with a GP, and are struggling with mental health issues associated with debt and unemployment.” 

Women’s business network The CROWN has organised a series of events especially designed to tackle issues such as the menopause and chronic anxiety which so constrict women when it comes to finding work and progressing their careers.  

“Women are hampered more than men by health issues and yet the treatment they receive is so much poorer,” she added. 

This is a cause- célèbre for Dr Sharma who has lectured everyone from parliamentarians to junior doctors on the need to prioritise female health and reduce the gaps in care between rich and poor.  

“Misogyny and a lack of compassion is now affecting how long people live,” said the GP and author.  

“Take COVID for example, which ravaged the BAME community and those in poorer areas. And indeed endometriosis, which affects one in ten women and yet little resource has been devoted to curing it or reducing the painful ten-year-wait women have for a diagnosis. If it was males in rich neighbourhoods who were being blighted, you could bet it would be very different.” 

Both Maria and Dr Sharma welcomed the Government’s Women’s Health Strategy in 2022 but jointly agreed that “the time for talking is over. We need to prioritise women’s health and the wellbeing of those in poorer areas NOW. Otherwise, it will continue to cost people’s lives.” 

To learn more about Endometriosis Awareness North, go to  https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/ 

The next meeting of the CROWN – Creating Remarkable Opportunities for Women Network – takes place Wednesday, May 20 at the Spindles Shopping Centre in Oldham.  

Entrance is free, but you must reserve your place by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crown-creating-remarkable-opportunities-for-women-network-tickets-1985379181577?aff=oddtdtcreators