Our Buckinghamshire: Uncovered report series reveals the hidden challenges facing our county—issues often obscured by statistical averages and areas of extreme wealth. Through in-depth data analysis and personal stories, we aim to present a clearer, more comprehensive picture of Buckinghamshire as it truly is today.
Join us as we uncover the complexities and realities of life within Buckinghamshire and these disparities compared to the wider UK.
The Vaping
Generation
Generation
The Heart of Bucks Young Futures board, made up of young, Bucks-based individuals, establishes its own criteria for funding. The board highlighted the widespread use of vapes as a key concern among local young people and they feel the issue is not being adequately addressed. This report investigates further on their behalf and features the perspective of local individuals as well as charitable organisations.
Loneliness and
Isolation
Isolation
The UK is facing a ‘loneliness epidemic’, and Buckinghamshire is no exception. Loneliness and isolation can have severe effects on health and this report aims to illuminate the experiences of those affected in our county. Drawing on data, personal stories, and insights from local organisations, it explores how loneliness manifests differently across various life stages, from childhood and adolescence to older adulthood.
Creative
Health
Health
Whilst Buckinghamshire’s historic image is an affluent one rich in heritage and culture, the contrast in our county exists just as much in arts and culture as it does within any category. This report seeks to understand the barriers, challenges and opportunities surrounding arts and culture in Bucks; specifically in terms of creative health and the impact of the arts as a vehicle for health and wellbeing.
Youth, Skills and
Employment
Employment
Despite Buckinghamshire having a strong economic and business-oriented track record, many young people continue to face significant skills-related challenges. This report explores the main barriers facing our future workforce, using key statistics and examples of successful local initiatives, to help highlight areas for development.
Homelessness
Everyone deserves a warm and safe home. However, not everyone currently has equal opportunity and access to suitable and affordable housing in Buckinghamshire. Inability to access housing that is truly affordable leads to homelessness and the numbers impacted are increasing to pre-pandemic levels.
Air Quality
Air quality is an integral part of our wider environment and ecosystems and can have a direct affect on personal wellbeing and health. In this report we delve into understanding the impact our air quality is having on the Buckinghamshire environment, actions being taken to improve things and what more we could be doing.
Cost of Living Crisis
Buckinghamshire is often portrayed as an affluent county, but in reality the national picture of the Cost of Living crisis is clearly reflected across our county. This report provides a deeper understanding of geographical inequalities, and financial insecurities being experienced everyday by the people who call Bucks home.
Ageing Population
Older people in Buckinghamshire play an intrinsic, vibrant, and pivotal role across our county. This report uncovers statistics relating to our older population in Buckinghamshire, makes comparisons to national data, highlights future challenges, and showcases opportunities within our communities that empower the lives of our older population.
Intro Report – 2023
Buckinghamshire: Uncovered is powered by the Bucks Data Exchange, using data to evidence local needs and challenges. We will also be talking to people in our communities, helping to bring these issues to life. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, this project is a long-term commitment by Heart of Bucks to listen, engage, and act to support our county.
Full Report – 2020
Heart of Bucks have collected local and national data on Buckinghamshire in order to make comparisons within the county. In addition to informing us and our supporters of the needs locally, we also hope our findings will help other local organisations make Buckinghamshire a better place to live, work and take part in leisure activities.
