Dr. Alison Gilchrist

Key terms and conceptsCommunityHealth and well-beingResearchParticipation and empowermentEquality and diversityCollective efficacy Social capital/networks

CD – bottom up approach to social justice and well-beingCommunities:Identify their own needs and

aspirationsTake action to exert

influence on the decisions which affect their lives

Improve the quality of their lives, the communities in which they live, and societies of which they are a part

Practitioners:Mobilise local knowledge

and expertiseRespect community views

and prioritiesQuestion status quo

assumptionsChallenge power

differentials and inequalitiesTackle barriers to

participation

CD principles and characteristicsEqualityEmpowermentParticipationCollective workingLong-term and holisticDialogueReflective, experiential and peer learning

Adopting a CD approachResearch design and

implementation will be community-ledShared problem or

aspirationCollective approachParticipative decision-

makingPartnershipCo-production of

evidence

ImplicationsTraining and supportTimeRoles – clarity Inclusion

IssuesConfidentialityAccountabilityOwnership Differences

analysis, priorities, expectations, etc.

Health related outcomesCollectiveEmpowermentConnectednessUnderstandingCapacityEvidence base

Better services

IndividualSense of belongingSkillsKnowledgeInsightsUseful links

Better treatment

Your research so farHow did you decide on your aims?How were the research questions agreed?How did you use your own and others’ experiences?What roles did you adopt? Did this change?What were the main processes and principles you used?What issues did you encounter?

Key messages from New Horizons report• Use a life course approach : people develop and share skills to

continue learning and have positive social relationships throughout life.

• Build strength, safety and resilience: address inequalities and ensure safety and security at all levels

• Develop sustainable, connected communities: create socially inclusive communities that promote social networks and environmental engagement.

• Integrate physical and mental health: develop a holistic view of well-being ...reduce health-risk behaviour and promote physical activity.

• Promote purpose and participation : enhance positive well-being: through variety of activities,, relaxation

• Generate a positive outlook: through creativity and purposeful community activity.

Foresight report on (mental capital and well being)

5 recommendations, includingConnect… With the people around you. With family,

friends, colleagues and neighbours...Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

Give … Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger...Volunteer your time. Join a community group...Seeing yourself as linked to the wider community...creates connections with the people around you.

What next?What does your evidence suggests?What does this mean in practice?What action planning are you intending? What resources are needed?Who will be involved?How will you encourage inclusive participation and

decision-making?What changes are likely and how will you measure

impact? (outputs, outcomes, attitudes, etc.)

Current contextRecession – rise in unemployment and povertyPublic spending cutsRe-structuring and diversification of health servicesThe Big Society – small state model

Community empowerment: services, planning and campaigns through voluntary associations and community organising

Active citizens: philanthropy, volunteering, self-help, social action and civic engagement

Localism: devolution to local authorities and neighbourhood groups

Social capital and collective responsibility

Dilemmas and debatesLeadership issues and stylesDealing with dissent and diversityWorking with volunteersSustaining involvement and momentumAccountability and transparencyInequalities

Power blocs, vested interestsDiscriminationHealth effects over the long term

Conclusions and next stepsWhat have you learnt from research?

Does this reflect community experiences?

What will happen as a result?Is this what community members want?Will they be involved in decision-making?

What next?

Suggested readingWilkinson and Pickett (2010) Spirit Level;Gilchrist and Taylor (2011) A Short guide to community

development Craig et al (2011) The community development readerGoodson and Phillimore (forthcoming) Community

Research: From Theory to MethodOrme et al (2007) Public health for the 21st century