<blank value>‘s guide to tackling health inequalities amongst Inclusion Health groups.
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Foreword
The voluntary sector has an important role to play in improving the health and wellbeing of communities in the UK. Voluntary organisations have been key in championing the rights of the groups experiencing the greatest health inequalities in the UK. However, there are still gaps where voluntary organisations can recognise or challenge inequalities in the communities in which they operate.
In 2017, The Department of Health and Social Care, through the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance funded a project entitled, ‘Reducing health inequalities amongst Inclusion Health groups’. The aim of the project was to build the capacity of the voluntary sector in tackling health inequity and inequalities in the UK. In recognition of Public Health England’s expertise in and responsibility for tackling health inequity and inequalities, the Health Equity department of Public Health England was given oversight of the seven charities working in partnership on this project.
During the development of this audit tool, I was excited to hear inspiring examples of good practice from organisations specialising in work with inclusion health groups and reflections from voluntary organisations who are trying to improve. I hope that you will find this guide a practical and actionable framework which your organisation can use to improve your engagement with inclusion health groups in your day to day work.
It is vital that work which recognises and challenges the health inequalities becomes the norm throughout the voluntary sector and I commend you in taking the first step by completing the inclusion health audit tool.
Ravi Jaipaul
Public Health Manager
Business Operations and Health Equity Division
Public Health England
Introduction
Welcome to your own unique and tailored guide which has been designed to help your organisation to embed action on tackling health inequalities into its everyday activities.
Inclusion Health
The concept of Inclusion Health is founded on the principle that not all people have access to the highest levels of healthcare. As a result, a number of socially excluded groups in the UK experience poor health outcomes across a range of indicators including self-reported health, life expectancy and morbidity. The four groups originally defined under this category of “Inclusion Health” include Gypsies and Travellers, homeless people, vulnerable migrants and sex workers. However, it is widely recognised that other groups who experience health inequalities as a result of social exclusion and stigmatisation should also be considered within the remit of Inclusion Health. These groups include people in contact with the criminal justice system, people with learning disabilities and more.
Why are health outcomes for Inclusion Health groups so low?
There are a number of explanations which contribute to this, including:
- The effects of stigmatisation and discrimination on socially excluded groups;
- The impact of chaotic lifestyles and low health aspirations on accessing healthcare;
- The complex nature of health systems and other barriers which prevent Inclusion Health groups from using them; and
- The effects of the wider social determinants of health (including income, education, accommodation and more) on Inclusion Health groups.
Why is it important for your organisation to improve your engagement with Inclusion Health groups?
VCSE service provider organisations are important partners in work addressing health inequalities because they:
- have a wide reach into communities across the UK;
- have the system knowledge required to bridge Inclusion Health groups into services;
- have an important role in improving health and social outcomes in society as a whole.
Thank you for taking the time to complete the Inclusion Health Audit Tool. We hope that you will find this tailored guide useful in advancing your organisation’s engagement with Inclusion Health groups. If you wish to find references for any of the information contained in the guide or further reading on specific topics, please visit the resources section of the Inclusion Health Audit Tool website.
Section 1: Governance
Section 2: Planning and Strategy
Section 3: Human Resources
Section 4: Service Delivery
Section 5: Communications
If you wish to find references for any of the information contained in the guide or further reading on specific topics, please visit the resources section of the Inclusion Health Audit Tool website.
Congratulations!
Your answers to the Inclusion Health Audit Tool indicate that your organisation is engaging well with Inclusion Health groups.
Want to share your success?
Download the Inclusion Health Quality Mark and display it on your communications materials.
