Two Tyneside councils have been awarded a total of £10m in funding to tackle health inequalities - and leading figures have welcomed how the money will provide "significantly more" insight into the issues affecting the most disadvantaged.
The money is being split evenly between Newcastle and Gateshead and both local authorities will now set up a "research collaboration" investigating how to improve issues such as life expectancy in our region. This comes following calls from public health figures urging the Government to live up to commitments to "level up" public health.
Alice Wiseman, Gateshead ’s Director of Public Health, said she was thrilled by the funding, adding: "Sadly, health inequalities remain stubbornly persistent in Gateshead and in order for the council to achieve its vision of giving all of our residents the opportunity to thrive, it’s crucial that we prioritise our limited resources where they are needed the most"
Ms Wiseman said the cash would enable to council to "significantly improve" its research capability, and help it to develop services to better meet public need. While Newcastle and Gateshead will operate separate research collaborations, they will "continue to work together to make sure both research programmes complement each other and maximise the benefits for the wider region".
Eileen Kaner, Professor of Public Health and Primary Care Research at Newcastle University, said that the new projects would "truly make a difference". She said; "By combining the local knowledge and experience of the councils and their community partners with the skills and expertise of specialist research teams, we have a unique opportunity to understand and address health challenges – particularly within our most disadvantaged communities, who are disproportionately affected by issues like obesity, drug use and poor mental health."
Robert Jenrick, a health minister, said: "The pandemic shone a light on the stark health inequalities that exist across the country – we are committed to levelling up the health of the nation. This funding will drive progress to address health challenges locally, particularly in the places and communities most affected by ill health such as high levels of obesity, drug use and poor mental health.
"Everyone should be able to live long, healthy lives regardless of their background and where they live, and this new research will help us deliver on our ambition."
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