The unequal distribution of the social determinants of health, such as education, housing and employment, drives inequalities in physical and mental health, reduces an individual’s ability to prevent sickness, or to take action and access treatment when ill health occurs. These inequalities are complex and embedded in society but they are also preventable. The dimensions of inequality are complex and overlapping as represented in the overlapping dimensions of health inequalities.
Importantly, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all more aware of what is meant by health inequalities and the ways in which they impact on people’s lives. Therefore, it is vital to act now and drive forward work programmes that reduce inequalities, prevent poor health and improve people’s opportunities for better health.
Local government, aware of the circumstances of so many of their residents, is focussing on reducing these inequalities, working with the wider health system to enable recovery from the pandemic and to build sustainable and healthier futures.
Over the course of the next six months we will be organising webinars focussed on key areas including mental health, age and gender and ethnicity and exploring the impact of COVID-19. To coincide with the webinars, each month the hub will be updated with new case studies from councils who are working to reduce inequalities in these areas.
The hub also describes the national literature on health inequalities and COVID-19 and includes think pieces which delve deeper into the issue.
Health inequalities: Deprivation and poverty
Explore how the pandemic impacted different areas across the country in different ways, dependent on their location and levels of deprivation. This work informs part of the health inequalities hub, which is funded by UK Government.
Health inequalities: Mental health
Explore case studies from councils and how the pandemic has impacted people's mental health. This work informs part of the health inequalities hub, which is funded by UK Government.
Health inequalities: Children
Explore case studies from councils looking at the impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis on children.
Health inequalities: Learning disabilities
Explore case studies from councils and how COVID-19 exacerbated the inequalities people with learning disabilities face. This work informs part of the health inequalities hub, which is funded by UK Government.
Health inequalities: Ethnicity
Explore case studies from councils and how COVID-19 exacerbated the inequalities Black, Asian and other minority ethnic (BAME) people face. This work informs part of the health inequalities hub, which is funded by UK Government.
Health inequalities: Age and gender
Explore case studies from councils and how the pandemic has exacerbated the inequalities in different ways for older and younger people. This work informs part of the health inequalities hub, which is funded by UK Government.
