Prevention and Early Detection in Health and Social Care

Our theme tackles health inequalities across cancer, food and nutrition, obesity and physical health by working with local communities and health and care organisations to improve access and outcomes. We will build the evidence for effective prevention approaches that improve population health and ease pressure on local services.

Prevention is key to the UK Government’s plans to transform healthcare. Early intervention and fair access to health and care services can prevent illness, reduce pressure on the NHS, and improve the wellbeing of communities across the East of England.

The region’s coastal, rural, and urban areas each face distinct health and care challenges, contributing to significant and persistent health inequalities. As a result, there is a need for research to inform and support targeted, evidence‑based prevention strategies across the region and beyond.

What do we aim to achieve? 

We will explore approaches to reducing health inequalities among underserved populations, including Black and South Asian communities, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups, and the female prison population. We will build on research to improve food and nutrition, develop approaches to reduce obesity, and support the wellbeing of children and young people.

We will use a place-based community geography approach to collaborate with community groups, health, and services to inform research questions, identify priorities, and maximise the impact of our research findings.

To get involved with our theme, please contact Dr Claire Thompson or Dr Angus Holford at c.thompson25@herts.ac.uk or ajholf@essex.ac.uk. 

Related network and group: