Rising with the Tide
The Coastal Navigators’ Network
First Prospectus – May 2025
This full report from the Coastal Navigators Network (CNN)—a collaboration between NHS England and six coastal Integrated Care Boards—brings together eight months of learning, data, and innovation from the frontline of the nation’s coastal health challenges. From youth support in Felixstowe to suicide prevention in Thanet and housing-linked employment in Sussex, it showcases scalable interventions that tackle the root causes of poor health and economic exclusion.
Coastal communities face a uniquely heavy burden: 13.8 percentage points higher economic inactivity due to long-term sickness, yet 20.2% fewer NHS resources to meet rising demand. The cost of inaction is now estimated at over £12 billion annually—driven by increased healthcare use, benefit dependency, and lost tax revenue. Across the 55 priority coastal towns, more than 379,000 people are out of work due to physical or mental health conditions.
With ageing populations living longer in poor health and younger generations facing entrenched deprivation, this report argues for urgent, coordinated action beyond the NHS—linking care, housing, employment, and prevention. It draws on local insight, national data, and Treasury-aligned cost-benefit analysis to show what’s working and where support must grow.
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The granular data in this report clearly shows the sometimes stark differences that exist between coastal communities and their inland neighbours”
– Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England
This report draws on local intelligence, ONS analysis of 55 high-deprivation coastal towns, and cost-benefit modelling adapted from Treasury Green Book methodology. It highlights what’s working—and what’s needed to make sure coastal voices are heard, funded, and empowered to lead the next phase of national health and economic recovery.
Read the full report to explore how coastal systems are taking the lead—and why this is the moment to invest in the future of the coast.
For further info, data queries, or to find out more about how your coastal area could become part of the network please get in contact through Joel.rennie@bbi.uk.com
Report Authors
Dr. Jon Bashford
Nicholas Werran
Jacqui Gibson
Joel Rennie
Clare Collins
