1. Health and Wellbeing Making equality a reality Janet Thornton, Trustee Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE)

2. Overview of the current situation Health data Public policy Voluntary sector action Challenges to creating a greater equality Session will cover

3. Rural Health: current situation Overall life expectancy is higher than urban Mortality rates lower as is potential years lost to premature death Many challenges e.g. distance to health services and higher costs

4. Public health policy Recent changes to health – key principles Devolution and more power to professionals Higher quality Better integration of services Tackling health inequalities Defra’s rural proofing role Ensure health policies work

5. Challenges for rural health Distance decay Higher costs Accessibility versus quality Rural poverty Recruitment and retention One size doesn’t fit all

6. Rural Evidence: Health Profiles Suite of national area-based health reports Detailed health picture with national, urban and rural comparisons County, Unitary and District Measures of health & well-being: holistic Illness/disease & lifestyle behaviours Influencing factors – deprivation, housing, access to health Available from RCCs

7. Craven District Health problems mainly typical of a rural District i.e. fewer than urban No part of Craven is within England’s 20% most deprived areas Challenges of accessibility e.g. average road distance from nearest GP is 3.2km (urban 0.9km) Higher emergency hospital admissions than rural average but lower than urban and national average Example : Health Profile

8. Role of voluntary & community sector in health Strong focus on prevention, promotion and health improvement Schemes developed for and with the community (parish planning) Advice & signposting Befriending and good neighbours Community transport Mental health projects

9. Case Study 1 – Touchstones When a spouse or partner dies you lose a lifetime companion but also a set of skills and knowledge We support bereaved individuals to learn new skills and find practical support locally Run in partnership with Age UK with Big Lottery Silver Dreams Funding 200 beneficiaries over 18 months RCC network & health: Yorkshire case studies

10. Case Study 2 - Grow your own community A pilot to support community building committees to expand their services to support their community New activities aimed at preventative social care and early intervention Funded by North Yorkshire County Council and 7 hubs set up over 18 months New services launched include community cafes, allotments, social activity groups and drop in centres RCC network & health: Yorkshire case studies (2)