Prevention to reduce ill health is crucial because it helps people live longer, healthier lives by avoiding diseases before they start, reduces the burden on healthcare systems, and saves costs associated with treating preventable conditions. This can be achieved through methods such as vaccinations to protect against infections, regular health screenings to detect issues early, and adopting healthy habits like balanced eating, physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances. Mental health can also be safeguarded through stress management and support services, while public health measures like clean air and safe water contribute to healthier communities overall.
Prevention – a life course approach
Resource for public health professionals promoting a life course approach to preventing ill health, highlighting the evidence base and signposting practical interventions.
Making prevention better than cure
Video explaining how modern digital health technologies and data can shift healthcare from treating disease to preventing illness through personalised, life‑long prevention strategies.
Securing our healthy future
This report argues that prioritising childhood prevention is key to reducing health inequalities, improving lifelong outcomes, and easing future NHS pressures.
Health promotion and disease prevention
Learn how health promotion and disease prevention can improve population health and reduce health risks, with a focus on adapting approaches to address the needs and barriers in rural communities.
Mental health prevention programmes
The Mental Health Foundation runs evidence‑informed programmes across the UK to prevent mental health problems and promote good mental health for people of all ages and communities.
Embedding preventative approaches
Wirral’s multi‑agency Prevention Framework defines prevention and provides shared principles and guidance for embedding co‑produced approaches across public services.
