The Government has awarded £5m to University of Essex researchers working with Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council, for a project looking at how to reduce health inequalities in Essex.
The purpose of Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) is to allow local authorities to use evidence to inform their decision making by undertaking research and evaluation explicitly responding to the needs of local underserved groups and areas.
These innovative local government partnerships will boost research capacity and capability in some of the UK’s most deprived areas, spanning the devolved administrations and including a mixture of urban, rural and coastal areas.
Millions of people will benefit from this further research investment to tackle health inequalities and improve health outcomes in local areas across the UK. This significant investment in research is part of this government’s commitment to boost growth, level up the health of the nation and empower people to live healthier and longer lives, regardless of their background or where they live.
The University of Essex which is one of the HEI partners has provided some further information about the Greater Essex HDRC: https://www.essex.ac.uk/news/2023/12/06/partnership-to-tackle-health-inequalities.
