The University of Manchester has announced the launch of a major new initiative as part of the Well North project, designed to improve the health of communities in the north of England.

Alongside Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s Institute of Health Equity at UCL, and researchers based at the Bromley by Bow Centre in London, the new collaboration will implement the six Marmot domains into practice – using real world evidence from his international reports translated into better health of the North.

The initiative will also disseminate research into healthier neighbourhoods to an international audience and provide better access to communities, politicians and other policy makers through the combined efforts of the research teams involved.

The launch will be at today’s 5th International Festival of Public Health in Manchester. Dr Arpana Verma, who leads the organising committee and the evaluation of Well North said: “We are so pleased to see the development of this collaboration which has already led to many new projects where we are sharing research experience to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged in our communities.”

Lord Andrew Mawson, Executive Chair of Well North and President of the BBBC, said: “As Executive Chairman of Well North, I’m passionate about our work in helping to unleash healthy communities across the North of England. This new partnership is an exciting opportunity to learn from international experts, and share their insight with the local people involved in creative and inspirational ways of improving health and wellbeing across the region.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot said: “Many communities in the north suffer disproportionately from poor health and low life expectancy compared with the rest of England; this is driven largely by poor social, economic and environmental conditions which harm health and other life chances.

“We are delighted to partner with Well North in the work to support flourishing, resourceful communities in the region – to create the conditions for people to take the control of their lives. All the evidence and experience we have, shows us that these are hugely important ways to bring improvements to health and a range of other life chances.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here