Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) has played a key role in the Health Counts 2024 survey — the largest health and wellbeing survey ever conducted in Brighton & Hove. With responses from more than 16,000 residents, the findings paint a powerful picture of public health in the city, highlighting significant inequalities across neighbourhoods and population groups.
Led by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Public Health Team and the University of Brighton in collaboration with BSMS, NHS Sussex and local partners, the survey gathered vital data on everything from physical and mental health to housing, substance use, cost-of-living pressures and access to green space. For the first time, it also included questions about gambling-related harm, suicidal thoughts and harassment.
Among the key findings:
- Only 56% of adults in the most deprived areas reported good or better health, compared to 76% in the least deprived areas.
- 24% recorded a low happiness score, and 9% have self-harmed in the last 12 months.
- 16% binge drink weekly, and 2% drink daily or almost daily, while 56% don’t drink alcohol or drink at low risk levels.
- 20% have taken drugs not prescribed for them and not available at a chemist or pharmacy in the last 12 months.
- 19% of those who gamble experienced at least one gambling-related harm.
- 5% of respondents identified as trans, non-binary, or intersex – notably higher than census figures.
Professor Carrie Llewellyn, Professor of Applied Behavioural Medicine and BSMS lead on the survey, commented: “Health Counts 2024 offers crucial insight into the real, lived experience of people in Brighton & Hove – and underlines just how urgent the need is to tackle health inequalities across our communities. BSMS is proud to contribute to research that informs evidence-based policy and supports fairer, healthier futures for all.”
Caroline Vass, director of public health for Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “The Health Counts 2024 survey findings give some of the best evidence on the population of the city, their health and wellbeing, and the stark inequalities across the city - whether by area or particular communities. However, the findings are not an easy read, covering sensitive areas, and evidencing health inequalities affecting our communities, while recognising their strengths and resilience.”
Nigel Sherriff, Professor of public health and health promotion at the University of Brighton and project lead, said: "Including questions on gambling-related harm in the 2024 Health Counts survey marks an important step in understanding the full scope of factors affecting our community’s wellbeing. Gambling harm is a complex and often hidden issue that can significantly impact individuals and families, contributing to financial, emotional and social difficulties.”
The survey’s findings will inform local health strategies, including Integrated Care and Neighbourhood Health Teams, ensuring support is better targeted where it’s most needed.
Explore the full report here >