Shaping practice and policy of stakeholders working to improve health in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent faces considerable health challenges and inequalities. Researchers in the Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), led by Professor Chris Gidlow, developed a strong, research evidence base, using collaborative and participatory approaches. Research projects focused on natural environments, physical activity/neighbourhood environments, asset-based community development, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. The findings led to better understandings of health issues in deprived communities at individual, community, and environmental levels, resulting in impacts in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Impacts stem from interdisciplinary, applied public health-focused research that led to the establishment of CHAD. This collaborative research centre engaged directly with local authorities, NHS and third sector stakeholders, leading to:

• Greater consideration of public health in urban planning practice and policy in Stoke-on-Trent, with health-promoting changes to 30 large scale developments.
• Improved NHS Health Checks, increasing uptake in Stoke-on-Trent from 50.8% to 63.4% (2014-2015 to 2016-2017) and remaining above the national average after intervention ended. Improving risk communication across 16 local authority areas in England.
• Increased understanding, learning and participation through public engagement with approximately 1,600 people, and approximately 30 public and voluntary sector organisations.

Shaping Practice and Policy of Stakeholders Working to Improve Health in Stoke-on-Trent