Southend-on-Sea City Council is kicking off 2026 with a drive to make healthy living easier and more affordable for everyone.
From tackling junk food near schools, investing in play spaces, and supporting residents to stop smoking, the Council is helping residents take positive steps for health and wellbeing.
The Council has also invested £1 million in upgrading play areas across Southend, creating inclusive, high-quality green spaces for local families, while promoting physical activity and supporting good mental wellbeing.
To support residents during ongoing cost-of-living pressures, the Council has launched a new list of 10 things you can do for yourself in the New Year - highlighting free or low-cost ways to improve health and happiness.
These include trying a new community group, returning to activities like running, or simply enjoying a walk along the seafront.
Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities, said: "Good health starts with the environments we live in, choices available to us and access to these choices.
"By investing in play spaces, supporting people to stop smoking and tackling health inequalities, we're helping residents of all ages to live healthier, more active lives.
"Small changes can make a big difference, and we want everyone in Southend to feel able to take those first steps in 2026."