Our health is shaped by more than healthcare or lifestyle choices such as everyday factors like housing, education, income and the environment which is also known as wider determinants or social determinants. When these factors are unequal, people’s health outcomes can vary. These are often called the "causes of the causes" of poor health. By improving these wider influences, we can help reduce health inequalities and support better wellbeing across Slough.
Housing
Access to safe, stable and affordable housing plays a key role in maintaining good health. Overcrowding, poor housing conditions and fuel poverty can increase the risk of respiratory diseases, stress, and mental health problems.
- 16% of households in Slough are overcrowded, one of the highest rates (Southeast: 3.4%, England: 4.3%)
- 5,408 households in Slough live in fuel poverty, meaning they struggle to heat their homes adequately, increasing risks of illness.
Environment
The quality of the physical environment, including air pollution, green spaces, and access to healthy food, significantly impacts health outcomes. Poor environmental conditions can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and other long-term health problems.
- Slough’s air pollution (PM2.5 level of 7.7) is higher than the Southeast (6.7) and England (7.0) averages, increasing risks of lung and heart diseases
- Fast food availability is high, with 100.2 outlets per 100,000 people, which may contribute to obesity and poor diet-related health issues.
Community
Strong social connections and safe communities contribute to mental and physical well-being. High crime rates, social isolation, and lack of community support can negatively impact mental health and increase stress levels.
- Slough has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the Southeast. In 2023/24, there were 6,011 violent offences, which translates to 37.7 incidents per 1,000 residents. Of these, 417 were sexual offences, at a rate of 2.6 per 1,000.
- 51 children aged 10 to 17 were involved in the youth justice system in Slough (2020/21), at a rate of 2.8 per 1,000 children.
- Slough has a higher rate of loneliness than the Southeast and England averages.
Employment
Secure employment with fair wages and good working conditions supports financial security, mental health, and overall well-being. Long-term unemployment and job insecurity can lead to stress, poor mental health, and reduced access to healthcare
- Slough’s employment rate 75.9% (72,500 people) is slightly higher than the national average (75.7%), while unemployment remains low at 3.7%
- 18.5% of the economically inactive population are long-term sick, impacting their ability to work and maintain financial stability.
Education
Education is a key determinant of future health and employment opportunities. Higher levels of education are associated with better health outcomes, improved job prospects, and healthier lifestyles.
- Slough’s Attainment 8 score (48.4%) is above the national (46.2%) and regional (47.3%) averages, indicating strong educational performance.
Health & Social Care Services
Access to timely and effective healthcare services is critical for preventing and managing health conditions. Barriers such as long waiting times, limited availability of services, and financial constraints can prevent people from receiving necessary care
- 295 emergency hospital admissions due to falls were recorded for people aged 65+ in 2023/24, highlighting the need for better fall prevention support
- Winter mortality rates in Slough of 10% reflect seasonal health risks, including respiratory illnesses and increased pressure on healthcare services.
Financial Security & Poverty
Economic stability is a strong predictor of health outcomes. Low-income families are more likely to experience poor health due to inadequate access to nutritious food, stable housing, and healthcare services
- 16.8% (6,672) of children under 16 in Slough live in absolute low-income families, while 20.3% (8,079) live in relative low-income families, both higher than the regional average.