Research has indicated that people who live in deprived areas are at a higher risk of suffering from ill health and have a lower life expectancy than the population as a whole. The Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department co-ordinates and supports projects in areas identified as ‘Neighbourhood Renewal’. These projects are funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) and administered by the Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department in partnership with local community organisations.
The Neighbourhood Renewal Projects use a community development approach to involve local people in the decisions and actions that affect their health. The projects bring together representatives from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities within Neighbourhood Renewal areas throughout the West.