UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has taken a step forward in addressing health inequalities with a series of innovative projects under its Mobilising Community Assets to Tackle Health Inequalities Programme. This initiative is particularly noteworthy for its focus on enhancing health outcomes in rural and coastal communities, among others facing entrenched health disparities.

Central to this initiative is the effort to overcome the unique challenges endemic to rural and coastal regions, such as social isolation and the difficulty of accessing services. Projects under this programme are designed to improve health outcomes by facilitating better integration between health systems and community resources.

A significant part of the programme's strategy includes addressing the health needs of specific communities that often face heightened barriers to health and wellbeing. These include:

• Roma communities
• Refugees and migrant communities
• People experiencing homelessness
• D/deaf British Sign Language (BSL)-using communities
• Children and young people experiencing mental health challenges

The initiative represents a collaborative effort across various UKRI councils, with additional support aimed at fostering a secure, resilient, and health-equitable society. This programme aims to improve health outcomes alongside empowering communities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their geographic or demographic background, has access to the resources needed for a healthier life.

More detailed information about this programme is available here.