The Coastal Navigators' Network, co-founded by coastal ICBs and NHS England, tackles shared challenges, drives innovation, and ensures coastal communities are not left behind in national priorities. The network also works collectively to attract further external investment into coastal areas.

In England, 19% of the population lives in coastal areas, which have some of the poorest health and wellbeing outcomes.

The network will be working with health and care system partners, including the NHS Mid and South Essex, Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Castle Point Borough Council to achieve two initial priorities:

• Accelerating the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, which bring together health and care partners to provide more seamless support for residents. In particular, ensuring proactive support for people with frailty and or needing end-of-life care
• Using care technology to promote health, support people's independence and reduce pressure on front-line services.

Being part of the network will provide local organisations with access to shared expertise and learning from other coastal areas facing similar challenges. The network helps areas like Southend-On-Sea and Canvey Island test ideas, troubleshoot delivery, and adapt successful models from elsewhere.

Residents will also benefit from investment in the area and faster progress on local priorities.

Tom Abell, chief executive at NHS Mid and South Essex, said: ‘This work builds on the ongoing commitment of partners, communities and staff across mid and south Essex to provide tailored support in areas where it's needed most and to reduce the unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes in our local population.'

Krishna Ramkhelawon, director of public health at Southend-On-Sea City Council, said: ‘The fast-paced evolution of technology and telemedicine are reshaping how health and care operate to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of local residents.

‘We welcome the inclusion of Southend-on-Sea City and Canvey Island as part of the Coastal Navigator Network, which will further enhance local collaboration between partner agencies, in transforming services and lives.'

Life expectancy, healthy life expectancy and disability free life expectancy are all lower in coastal areas. The death rates (Standardised Mortality Ratios) for a range of conditions, including preventable mortality, are also significantly higher than in non-coastal areas.