The Greater Hollington area is characterised by poor levels of mental and physical health and by high rates of teenage conception. Although high rates of teenage pregnancies do not in themselves constitute a health issue, teenage pregnancy is often associated with poor educational attainment and to family dysfunction; and teenage mothers tend to have lower birth-weight babies, who in turn suffer more ill health.
The pathfinder area records a significantly higher number of people with disabilities – as indicated by the number of people claiming attendance allowance and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – than the borough, national and East Sussex averages. In 1998 the Greater Hollington wards had the highest numbers of residents in receipt of the basic DLA and the higher rate care and mobility allowances. The area also has high numbers of people on Long Term Incapacity Benefit. 1066 Housing Association, as the majority RSL, is introducing a mixed tenure policy, but social housing accommodation in the area incorporates a high number of sheltered housing and single dwelling properties, thereby increasing numbers of disability and incapacity benefit recipient householders. The significant number of elderly people residing in these properties also keeps the figures high. Health professionals have identified a range of social factors prevalent in the pathfinder area that contribute to poor standards of health. These include poor diet, itself linked to poor dental health and to diabetes. Rates of lifestyle related coronary heart disease and cancer are especially high in Hollington, and there is also an increasing incidence of asthma - often linked to poor housing, poverty and air pollution. Levels of mental illness can also be closely related to environmental factors that include those identified by residents and by a range of local professionals: - older people living in isolated circumstances
- overcrowded housing
- lack of play space for children
- drug abuse
- alcohol abuse
- high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour
- feelings of insecurity
High levels of unemployment and low income are also likely to contribute to stress and to an increased incidence of mental illness, particularly amongst young men. (Hastings has the highest rate of suicide amongst young men in the country) Low noise levels, as well as low levels of traffic and pollution, attractive buildings and streets and green spaces, are important for a good quality of life. Noise can cause annoyance and stress. Noise complaints are increasing, however, but this may be because people are becoming less tolerant to noise. Most noise complaints relate to domestic premises and involve noise from TV/radio/hi-fi equipment, and barking dogs. The quantity and quality of social services information available at neighbourhood level is limited. Although there is some area working, the services are highly centralised, and there is a lack of accurate information about staffing levels, service provision and issues specific to the pathfinder area. In June 2002, the County Council was awarded a zero-star rating for Social Services by the Government’s Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) because of its services to older people (its services to children were praised). The Council responded immediately, investing extra resources and drawing up an improvement plan, so it is still feasible that Social Services will develop a key role to play in the development of the Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder. In the meantime, selective information will be gathered and contact with relevant officers made when specific interventions require it. | 
