Time to Talk Public Health: Food environments and portion size behaviours in Wales

Understanding food environments and portion size behaviours in Wales

This report presents findings from a cross-sectional survey of 1,460 people aged 16 years and over who live in Wales, conducted through the Time to Talk Public Health (TTPH) population panel. The sample was broadly representative of people living in Wales. The survey explored types of main meals eaten, lunchtime behaviours when away from the home, meal finishing behaviour, and portion size behaviours and attitudes. Analysis by socio-demographic characteristics identified population groups more likely at risk of engaging in behaviours associated with living with overweight and obesity. These groups were young adults, males, people living in more deprived areas, and those who perceive themselves as heavier. More action is needed to address what drives these behaviours.

Authors: Catherine Sharp, Carys Dale+ 3 more
, Charlotte Welch, Karen Hughes, Ilona Johnson
Loneliness, social isolation and social connection

Loneliness, social isolation and social connection in Wales: A public health perspective

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly being recognised as public health challenges. This report aims to present loneliness, social isolation and social connection in Wales from a public health perspective. Intended for professionals, policymakers and other individuals working directly or indirectly in the field of social connection, it includes data and evidence on: the prevalence of loneliness, social isolation and social connection in Wales and the population groups most affected; factors that increase the risk of loneliness and social isolation; impacts on health and well-being; evidence on solutions; examples of good practice in Wales; and key areas for future action.

Authors: Sara Wood, Carys Dale+ 1 more
, Karen Hughes

Time to Talk Public Health October 2025 Survey Findings

Time to Talk Public Health is a nationally representative panel of Welsh residents established by Public Health Wales to enable regular public engagement to inform public health policy and practice. The panel is designed to be broadly representative of the Welsh population by age, sex, deprivation, ethnicity and health board. This report presents findings from the October 2025 survey covering: Source of Health Information, Health Policy, Health and Well-Being After Pregnancy, Ageism, and Public Health Wales.

Authors: Catherine Sharp, Karen Hughes+ 1 more
, Carys Dale

Winter well-being: shared actions and impact

A new report by Public Health Wales brings together the latest evidence, behavioural insights and practical tools to support health and care colleagues and services in preparing for the winter months.

The report, Winter Well-being: Shared Actions and Impact, is designed to complement existing NHS and Welsh Government winter planning frameworks. It provides actionable guidance and checklists to help teams strengthen system resilience, maintain population health, and ease demand on services.

The report also highlights the importance of prevention, including protecting against winter viruses by getting vaccinated against flu, RSV and COVID-19, staying active, eating warm meals, checking in on neighbours, and taking vitamin D daily to stay healthy through the colder months.

Authors: Ashley Gould, Kat Ford+ 7 more
, Elizabeth Augarde, Karen Hughes, Natasha Judd, Alice Cline, Molly Bellis, Carys Dale, Sumina Azam

Time to Talk Public Health – June 2025 Survey Findings

Time to Talk Public Health is a nationally representative panel of Welsh residents established by Public Health Wales to enable regular public engagement to inform public health policy and practice. The panel is designed to be broadly representative of the Welsh population by age, sex, deprivation, ethnicity and health board. This report presents findings from the June 2025 Survey covering: Type 2 diabetes, use of gloves in healthcare settings, incontinence, dental health, climate change and public health policy.

Authors: Catherine Sharp, Karen Hughes+ 1 more
, Carys Dale
Time to Talk Public Health Findings of Neath Port Talbot Regional Survey 2025

Time to Talk Public Health: Findings of Neath Port Talbot Regional Survey 2025

To support the response of the Community Relations and Wellbeing Workstream of the TATA Steel UK Transition Board, Public Health Wales commissioned a regional survey as part of Time to Talk Public Health to investigate the health, social and financial status of people living in Neath Port Talbot as the area experiences the changes at TATA Steel. The survey was completed between January and March 2025 with 301 people who were representative of the local area by age, sex and deprivation. This report presents the findings of the regional survey.

Authors: Catherine Sharp, Karen Hughes+ 3 more
, Charlotte Grey, Carys Dale, Lucia Homolova

Time to Talk Public Health: February 2025 Panel Survey Findings

Time to Talk Public Health is a nationally representative panel of Welsh residents established by Public Health Wales to enable regular public engagement to inform public health policy and practice. The panel is designed to be broadly representative of the Welsh population by age, sex, deprivation, ethnicity and health board. This report presents findings from the February 2025 Survey covering: Primary care and health inequalities; Delivery of primary care services; Social connectedness; Personal well-being; Financial security; Minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol; Breast screening and artificial intelligence (AI).

Authors: Catherine Sharp, Karen Hughes+ 2 more
, Lewis Brace, Carys Dale