Public Health

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment

The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) helps us understand the health and wellbeing needs of people in Thurrock. It brings together data, evidence and local insight to support decision-making across the council, NHS and partner organisations.

It helps us to:

  • commission health, wellbeing and social care services in the borough
  • improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities

It supports commissioning processes used by health, council and community organisations in Thurrock.

Through the JSNA, we provide evidence, insight and intelligence to support local decision-making, helping partners to develop strategies, set priorities and plan services to meet the needs of Thurrock's population.

We work with the Health and Wellbeing Board to make sure the JSNA informs the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

We use a three-part approach to provide both a broad overview and detailed analysis of local needs.

Breadth

Our JSNA provides a broad picture of Thurrock's population and the factors that affect health and wellbeing.

This includes:

  • demographic profiles
  • wider determinants of health
  • deprivation data
  • ward profiles for each of Thurrock's 20 wards

These products highlight key trends, challenges and opportunities across the borough and help us understand the wider factors that influence residents' health and wellbeing.

Depth

We carry out Health Needs Assessments (HNAs) and other in-depth reviews to explore specific topics in more detail.

These assessments use:

  • local data and evidence
  • research and best practice
  • feedback and insight from residents, communities and partners

HNAs help identify local health needs and support service planning, commissioning, strategy development and improvement. They also include recommendations to help guide future action.

Focus

Situation Reports (Sit Reps) provide short, timely updates on emerging issues or rapidly changing trends.

They offer data-led insights that can:

  • support operational decision-making
  • inform urgent action
  • highlight developing health concerns

Sit Reps are produced when needed and complement our wider JSNA programme by providing a snapshot of current local issues.

Choosing JSNA topics

Topics for Health Needs Assessments and Situation Reports are agreed by the JSNA Steering Group, which includes representatives from key partner organisations.

This helps ensure that our work focuses on the issues that matter most to Thurrock and responds to emerging local priorities.

How the JSNA is used

JSNA products are used by:

  • Thurrock Council
  • NHS organisations
  • voluntary and community sector organisations
  • other local partners and stakeholders

They help inform planning, shape priorities and improve outcomes for residents.

Together, these products provide a comprehensive and flexible picture of the health and wellbeing needs of Thurrock's population.

Published JSNA products

All JSNA products published to date can be found below.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the JSNA or any of our published products, please email:
publichealth@thurrock.gov.uk

Ward Profile Summaries 

These summary profiles have been produced to help improve understanding of the health issues faced by residents in each of Thurrock's wards. 

 

Thurrock Ward Profiles

 

Needs assessment documents