NHS and civic leaders in the North East have launched a plan to "reduce the gap between us and the rest of England" when it comes to our health and wellbeing.
Developed by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Partnership - made up of NHS, local authority and third sector groups - the new Better Health and Wellbeing for All plan aims to alter a stark picture. As is stands, the North East has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in England, the second highest rates for heart and liver disease and the highest rates of suicide.
Social deprivation - especially among children, with child poverty in the North as high as it's been since 2001 at 34% - is also a huge issue. The new report recognises the links between these factors and sets out "a series of demanding targets to improve lives".
