Ashford Health Alliance
In Ashford, we recognise the power of place-based partnerships to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in our community. The Ashford Health Alliance (AHA) was formed to achieve this through addressing social, economic, and environmental determinants of health.
To do so, the AHA brings together diverse stakeholders who create health and wellbeing of local people in the broadest sense; that includes housing and environment alongside those responsible for health and care services.
Our core objectives are to prevent ill health and address local health inequalities. This is only possible through close collaboration between health and social care providers, local authorities, and our community itself.
The AHA was formed in 2024 and is still evolving membership and governance arrangements to ensure they fit the unique needs of our area. The AHA does not itself hold budgets but can be a decision maker in the allocation of funding for the voluntary sector.
Meetings of the alliance are held at least biannually and give an opportunity to set priorities for local health improvement, report on the progress of agreed actions, share wider related work and create opportunities to collaborate.
Our priorities
To maximise the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes the AHA has agreed a small number of priority areas that are the focus of our action plans. These will be periodically reviewed to ensure they still fit the needs of Ashford residents.
The current priority is to:
- Improve healthy living, particularly reducing smoking and enhance the impact of the One You Kent shop
We are currently reviewing work that the alliance could contribute to which improves housing and also health outcomes for children and young people.
By focusing on what matters most to Ashford; our children, our homes, and the wellbeing of every resident - our place-based partnership aims to make a real difference. Success relies on deep collaboration across all sectors and the flexibility to respond to local needs. Together, we are building a healthier, stronger Ashford for everyone.
Updates
Age Friendly Communities
We are delighted to share that in December 2025, Ashford became an Age Friendly Community – the first of its kind in Kent.
Age Friendly Communities are a growing movement of places committed to making their communities a better place to age in.
We have joined the network because we value our older residents and want to take the necessary steps to ensure more people can continue to enjoy life and get the support they need as they age.
Working alongside the Centre for Ageing Better, we have already started our planning and will be talking further to residents, local businesses, charities and others to identify what’s next and to develop our action plan. For more information on Ashford becoming an Age Friendly Community, visit our dedicated web page.
Our partners
Five Dinners - an online meal planning tool that is free to use for every Ashford based resident.
Current projects
ABC Eat Well Spend Less and Wellbeing roadshows - In-person Cost of Living and wellbeing support for all residents of the borough, providing people with resources, support and opportunities to thrive in all aspects of living.
