The English health inequalities strategy (1997 – 2010) turns out to have been an extraordinary success
A landmark report into the English health inequalities strategy–a cross government strategy implemented between 1997 and 2010 to reduce health inequalities in England. This was one of the most ambitious strategies of its kind ever undertaken and aimed to tackle the underlying social determinants of health (reducing poverty and disadvantage) rather than the current focus on individual ‘lifestyle’ changes. The English health inequalities strategy was associated with a decline in geographical inequalities in life expectancy, reversing a previously increasing trend. Since the strategy ended, inequalities have started to increase again. The strategy may have reduced geographical health inequalities in life expectancy, and future approaches should learn from this experience. The concerns are that current policies are reversing the achievements of the strategy. Details on the BMJ website.
Link Worker social prescribing to improve health and well-being for people with long-term conditions: qualitative study of service user perceptions
Findings suggest that tackling complex and long-term health problems requires an extensive holistic approach not possible in routine primary care. This model of social prescribing, which takes into account physical and mental health, and social and economic issues, was successful for patients who engaged with the service. Future research on a larger scale is required to assess when and for whom social prescribing is clinically effective and cost-effective. Read the full report here.
News, reports, research from the Social Prescribing Network
Read the July edition online here.
LGiU Report: Community collaboration: a councillor’s guide
Engaging people in the decisions that affect their lives is an essential feature of local democracy. This goes far beyond town hall meetings and opinion surveys: we must recognise that communities often hold the answers to their own problems and allow them an equal voice at the table. For the purposes of this report, we call this concept ‘Community Collaboration’. Read the full report at lgiu.org.uk
Creative Health
Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing has been published this week, offering research and recommendations for better integration of arts and cultural activities in health and social care. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing (APPGAHW) was formed in 2014 and aims to improve awareness of the benefits that the arts can bring to health and wellbeing. Read more.
