We focus on four complex health issues more prevalent in urban areas
With the Social Progress Imperative, we've developed the first neighbourhood level, health-focused social progress index of its kind.
With Wellcome Trust
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Urban health
Partner: Innovation Unit
Programme: cross-programme project
We have started an international learning project to help us build our understanding of how living in urban areas affects people’s health and wellbeing.
Working with social enterprise Innovation Unit, the two-year project involves connecting with inner-city areas like our own, in the UK and internationally, exploring how others face similar complex health challenges.
The project will use learning exchanges as well as desk-based research and interviews to look closely at the combined impact of diversity, income inequality and the built environment on health, considering both the assets and risks these factors present.
By learning from others, we hope to build our own knowledge and uncover new insights for practitioners, decision-makers and others who work at the forefront of health in urban areas.
“ This landmark research with Innovation Unit will help us and similar others navigate the combined impact of diversity, the built environment and income inequality on people’s health. Our own work in inner-city London is already adding to the knowledge base on urban health issues like childhood obesity and multiple long-term conditions. We’re looking forward to learning alongside others facing similar challenges around the world, and using that to inform our own practice here in the UK Kieron Boyle Chief Executive, Impact on Urban Health
This landmark research with Innovation Unit will help us and similar others navigate the combined impact of diversity, the built environment and income inequality on people’s health. Our own work in inner-city London is already adding to the knowledge base on urban health issues like childhood obesity and multiple long-term conditions. We’re looking forward to learning alongside others facing similar challenges around the world, and using that to inform our own practice here in the UK
The final outcome will be a report capturing the insights gathered. The report is expected to be available in early 2021.
As an organisation, we want to improve global health by improving health in cities. This learning project will allow us to gain an insight into how other cities are tackling complex health challenges, allowing us to improve our practice here in London and share it back with others.
“ As more and more of us settle in towns and cities, we welcome the opportunity to support this pioneering work to advance what is known about the complexity of health in urban areas. Vicki Purewal Senior Associate, Innovation Unit
As more and more of us settle in towns and cities, we welcome the opportunity to support this pioneering work to advance what is known about the complexity of health in urban areas.
Innovation Unit are a social enterprise looking to develop new solutions to complex social challenges. Find out more about their work.
Rowena Estwick leads our work on international learning collaborations on urban health.
We spoke with experts in health, community-building, design and more to understand how urban health can be improved in the future.
Our work
By 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. We explore what distinct health challenges and opportunities urban areas have.
Insights on the assets and risks of urban environment, diversity and deprivation