A five-year plan to improve health and care services across Kent has been launched.

The multi-agency blueprint takes into account the effects of Covid and the cost of living crisis which it says will worsen the long term impact unless a united approach is taken.

But in it 57-page report, it reveals that one of the partners of the Kent and Medway Integrated Care System which offers financial help and food banks is facing its own hardship.

The voluntary sector is under mounting pressure with costs increasing and donations falling while demand for supports is greater than ever.

It found that the pandemic had highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing and the vital role communities played in tackling issues such as loneliness and isolation.

The report points out that while home to some of the most affluent areas in England, Kent also includes some of the most socially deprived places in the country.

Children with special education needs should be a priority including better and faster assessment of their needs as well as strengthening SEND provision in mainstream schools, it says.

The strategy has been produced by NHS Kent and Medway, Kent County Council and Medway Council, supported by district councils, healthwatch organisations and the voluntary sector.

It looks at how health and care colleagues from the NHS and local councils can work together to make improvements.

Its priorities include giving children the best start in life and helping the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in society to improve their physical and mental health.

There is also a focus on the social determinants of health and preventing people becoming ill in the first place.

The plan aims to help people to manage their own health and wellbeing and be proactive partners in their care so they can live happy, independent and fulfilling lives.

It also wants to ensure that when people need hospital services, most are available from their nearest hospital, while providing centres of excellence for specialist care where that improves quality, safety and sustainability.

Paul Bentley, chief executive of NHS Kent and Medway, said: “This plan recognises that people’s health, care and wellbeing are impacted by economic, social and environmental factors more than the health and care services they can access.

"We will be working with local people and communities and businesses over the coming year to understand from them how we can achieve our ambitions and develop the strategy further."

Roger Gough, leader of Kent County Council, said: "As chair of the integrated care partnership, I know how committed vital partners are to working as one to provide the joined-up support our communities need and deserve – not just during this difficult winter, but into the future.

"And, despite the complex challenges ahead, including an expanding ageing population, together I am optimistic we can transform health and wellbeing services, tackle health inequalities and enable healthy living."

Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council, added: "It means even closer collaboration with our partners to reduce health inequalities and make sure residents receive the right support when they need it the most.

"Although the strategy covers all aspects of health and care for the entire population, I am delighted that giving children the best start in life is one of the strategy’s top priorities."