A five-year programme aimed at improving health outcomes in some of Sheffield’s most disadvantaged communities is showing early signs of progress. The Sheffield Northeast Model Neighbourhood (NEN) project, which has been running for over a year, is working to address the health inequalities that have long plagued the city’s poorest areas.
Residents in the north-east of Sheffield, which includes neighbourhoods like Burngreave, Grimesthorpe, Southey Green East, Crabtree, Firvale, and Firth Park, face stark disparities in health compared to those living in wealthier parts of the city. On average, people in these areas live up to ten years less and experience poorer health at a much earlier age. The NEN project is designed to tackle these issues by promoting healthier lives and improving life expectancy through a collaborative approach.
The programme involves a partnership between various health and social organisations, including NHS trusts, the council, and a range of voluntary and community groups. These stakeholders are coming together to focus on the root causes of health problems, with the aim of delivering tangible improvements in the quality of life for residents in these deprived areas.
Long-standing Health Disparities
The health gap between different parts of Sheffield is well documented. For years, certain parts of the city have seen better health outcomes, longer life expectancy, and more years spent in good health, while residents of less affluent neighbourhoods have suffered from chronic health problems, often starting earlier in life.
Communities in the north-east have been particularly affected, with residents more likely to suffer from conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. These issues are often linked to factors like poverty, poor housing, limited access to healthcare services, and social isolation. The NEN project seeks to address these underlying issues by bringing together a variety of services and organisations to work in a more integrated manner.
A key aspect of the programme is recognising that improving health is not just the responsibility of health services but requires addressing wider social and economic factors. This includes tackling issues such as unemployment, poor housing, and social inequality, all of which can have a significant impact on health outcomes.
Early Steps and Collaboration
An update on the progress of the NEN project is set to be presented to the city’s council next week. The first year of the initiative has focused heavily on supporting local voluntary, community, and faith groups, which have been identified as key partners in delivering health improvements. These groups have been working on the ground to help people in their communities access services and make healthier choices.
The project has provided funding to strengthen the capacity of these groups, allowing them to expand their services and reach more people. Over the course of the project, up to 25 of these local organisations will take on the role of ‘community anchors,’ which means they will lead initiatives aimed at improving health and wellbeing in their respective areas.
A report prepared for the council emphasises that health and wellbeing are best achieved when public services and communities work together. The report suggests that by aligning efforts across different sectors and organisations, the NEN project can create more sustainable improvements in health.
Engaging Local Communities
As the NEN project moves into its second year, a major focus will be on engaging with local communities to understand their needs and priorities. The project team is planning extensive consultations with residents in the target neighbourhoods to gather their views on what works well in their areas and what needs improvement. This feedback will be crucial in shaping tailored community plans for each area.
The programme also aims to encourage a more collaborative and inclusive approach to health improvement. The goal is to create stronger connections between residents, local services, and community groups so that people feel empowered to take an active role in improving their own health and wellbeing.
A key part of this strategy is to strengthen social networks within these communities. Research has shown that social isolation and a lack of social support can contribute to poor health, so the NEN project is working to help people build stronger connections within their communities, which can lead to better health outcomes in the long run.
The project also seeks to explore new ways of working with voluntary and community organisations. These groups often have a deep understanding of the issues facing their communities and are well-placed to deliver personalised support. The aim is to build a stronger partnership between public services and these local organisations, valuing the unique role they play in improving health.
Building a Healthier Future
While the NEN project is still in its early stages, there are positive signs that it could lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes for some of Sheffield’s most disadvantaged communities. The focus on partnership working, community involvement, and tackling the broader social factors that influence health sets the project apart from more traditional approaches to healthcare.
The next steps for the initiative will be critical in determining its success. The project will continue to work closely with residents and community groups to develop plans that reflect the specific needs of each neighbourhood. By putting the voices of local people at the heart of the decision-making process, the NEN project hopes to deliver solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable.
As the project progresses, its impact will be closely monitored to assess whether it is making a difference in closing the gap in life expectancy and improving health across the city. If successful, the NEN project could provide a model for other cities facing similar health inequalities, demonstrating the potential of a collaborative, community-driven approach to health improvement.
By fostering greater collaboration between health services, local authorities, and communities, the Sheffield Northeast Model Neighbourhood initiative aims to ensure that people in the city’s most deprived areas can live longer, healthier lives. While the challenges ahead are significant, the project offers hope that, through concerted effort, the health gap in Sheffield can begin to narrow, creating a more equitable future for all.
