The goal of the Brent Health Matters Programme is to reduce health inequalities in Brent.
Health inequalities are avoidable, unfair and systematic differences in health between different groups of people.
Our shared programme will be looking to engage with the community on a number of wide ranging issues to reduce the health inequalities experienced in Brent.
"Our health is shaped by a complex interaction between many factors. These include the quality of health and care services, individual behaviours, the places and communities in which people live and wider determinants such as education, housing and access to green space. Health inequalities arise as a result of systematic variations in these factors across a population."
"Health inequalities are ultimately about differences in the status of people’s health. The term is also commonly used to refer to differences in the care that people receive and the opportunities that they have to lead healthy lives, both of which can contribute to their health status." King Fund
Inequality means that the resources required to create better health outcomes are not evenly distributed.
As such the areas with poorer health outcomes or higher rates of long term health conditions will have more focus than other parts of the borough.
It is only by working with the local people, groups and organisations around Brent and listening to what you have to say that we can improve the overall health of our borough.
You can get involved in Brent Health Matters by becoming a Community Champion or joining us at our next Community Forum Meeting.
A member of our team would be happy to talk to you about how the programme works in more detail. Email us at BrentHealthMatters@brent.gov.uk
The inverse care law
"This is a phenomenon whereby the more disadvantaged a community, the less investment is made in health and social care services. This situation arises and is perpetuated via a circular relationship between low community demand/expectations, lack of community participation in decision-making processes and agency disinvestment." Kings Fund
Short term impacts
- Reduce impacts of Covid-19 on the community.
- Increase uptake of vaccinations and health screening.
- Increase community awareness of existing support/services and improve access to health services.
- Increased engagement with GP Practices including an increase in the number of people registered with a GP.
Long term impacts
- Reduce variation in life expectancy and long term health conditions (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, mental health and cardiovascular disease).
- System wide understanding of the cultural and local reasons why patients do not engage in NHS services, which will inform future planning.
- Actions delivered to address the wider determinants of health, from housing to employment and environment.