24 Aug 2026
People in some parts of the UK are living up to 18 years less than those elsewhere.
Health Equals has launched its new Shelf Life campaign to highlight this stark inequality and make clear that where someone lives should not determine how long, or how well, they live.
The campaign draws attention to the wider factors that shape our health throughout our lives. Our health is influenced not only by healthcare, but also by whether we have a safe and affordable home, secure employment, sufficient income, access to education and a healthy local environment.
As a member of the Health Equals coalition, the Rural Services Network is supporting the campaign and its call for greater action on these essential building blocks of good health.
These issues are highly relevant to rural communities. Long distances to health and care services, limited public transport, shortages of affordable housing and fewer employment opportunities can all affect people’s health, wellbeing and independence.
Imagine the improvement in people’s quality of life if everyone living in a rural community could access the health and care services they need, find an affordable home and benefit from secure, well-paid employment.
Addressing health inequalities means looking beyond the treatment of illness and creating the conditions that allow people and communities to thrive.
Everyone should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life, wherever they call home.
