AWRC responds to SYMCA Health is Wealth report

The Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre fully supports the publication of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s (SYMCA) health equity panel report Health is Wealth, which outlines Mayor Oliver Coppard’s plan to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.

The report reflects the growing momentum across the region to fundamentally reimagine how we improve and maintain population health. We are particularly encouraged by the bold and uncompromising focus on radical prevention which strongly aligns with our recent report on Delivering the prevention legacy for the NHS.

For too long, we have prioritised reactionary models of healthcare over addressing the social determinants of health. We know that many long-term conditions are preventable, yet access to the building blocks that create, support and sustain health across the life course remains unequal.

Our work at the AWRC demonstrates that only by addressing systemic and structural barriers to health can we create the conditions for people to live healthy, fulfilling lives. It is encouraging that tackling health inequalities and a commitment to proportionate universalism is central to the plan.

South Yorkshire is a unique and complex region with stark disparities in life expectancy between neighbourhoods. What works in one area may not be appropriate for the next. The plan’s clear emphasis on whole systems approaches – shifting the focus beyond the NHS to place-based, community-led solutions – will be essential to its success. Strong partnerships between communities, healthcare providers, local authorities, academic institutions, industry, and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) institutions are also key to creating lasting change.

The AWRC’s research and innovation embody the principles that run through the plan, from co-locating health services in communities and embedding physical activity into clinical pathways to developing a healthcare workforce equipped to prioritise physical activity.

We fully support and share SYMCA’s commitment to radical prevention and look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our shared vision of a healthier, happier and more equal South Yorkshire.

Prof. Chris Dayson, Professor of Voluntary Action, Health and Wellbeing at CRESR and AWRC was part of the health equity panel that developed the report. Chris said: “It was a real privilege to serve on the Mayor’s Health Equity Panel, and I am pleased that our report has now been shared.

“For me, the report represents a real step change for the region in how we think and talk collaboratively about health inequalities and what we need to do to address them. I’m particularly pleased by the emphasis the report makes on radical prevention and the need to recognise the vital role our local voluntary and community sector can play as part of this agenda.

The report shines a light on some of the great work that is already happening in South Yorkshire, but it also provides us all with a call action to go further and do more.”

Prof. Rob Copeland, Director of the AWRC said: “This report represents a significant step in the region’s commitment to radical prevention and health equity. Congratulations to The Mayor, Prof Walker and the team involved.

“Only by addressing the root causes of poor health and investing in place-based, community-led solutions, can we build a healthier, more resilient South Yorkshire. Building healthier and more active communities demands investment in the environments, relationships, and opportunities that enable people to thrive.

“We look forward to working with partners across South Yorkshire to turn this vision into lasting change.”