 FBOs are actively engaged with communities  Some faith communities and FBOs represent those with a higher burden of disease  The Public Health Outcomes Framework gives a clear mandate for voluntary groups  The contribution of FBOs in the Public Health agenda had yet to be explored

 Strand 1. Interventions within faith settings targeting behaviour-modifiable diseases in high-risk groups.  Strand 2. Faith groups confer “substantial and distinctive social capital”, affecting physical and mental health and improving wellbeing.

 Most published literature on behavioural interventions in Black American US churches (4 reviews covering 43 studies)  Smaller body of literature from UK, individual recent studies  Many examples of projects; less evaluated

Dehaven et al Primary prevention, cardio vascular health, cancer awareness, mental health Reductions in cholesterol, BP, weight,. Increased use of mammography & self exam. Campbell et al Church-based health promotion programs; primary prevention, smoking cessation, breast cancer awareness Increase in: fruit and Vegetable consumption, physical activity, smoking cessation, cancer screening. Thompson et al Weight management (diet, exercise or both) in Black American church-goers Reduction in BP, weight and BMI Newlin et al Diabetes education with Black Americans. Increased fruit and vegetable intake.

 ‘Faith-based’ vs ‘faith-placed’  Formative research / cultural competence  Integration of beliefs  Evaluation!  Leaving something behind

 Ainsworth et al ‘Smoke-free homes’ initiative  Bush et al Strong capacity-building, participatory approach  Maynard et al. 2009, DEAL (DiEt and Active Living) qualitative study  Rao et al Screening for CVD risk factors  Bravis et al Diabetes education

 Pilot cluster RCT  Intervention with and by religious teachers  In 14 Islamic religious settings  50 households

 Based in 2 large Hindu temples in Brent  Used members of faith community in medical profession (Royal Free and HEART UK)  Faith leaders and faith media encouraged participation  Screened for CVD risk factors – 434 people screened  Plans for follow-up of at-risk individuals  Qualitative research ongoing

 Strand 1. Interventions within faith settings targeting behaviour-modifiable diseases in high-risk groups.  Strand 2. Faith groups confer “substantial and distinctive social capital”, affecting physical and mental health and improving wellbeing.

 Volunteering is healthy  Stronger networks are healthy  FBOs provide opportunity for both Mechanism is a combination of  More healthy behaviours  More social support  Increased sense of coherence

Faith Assets for Health Culture of volunteering; some ‘can do’ motivated individuals Buildings in accessible locations ‘Substantial and distinctive’ social capital Skills and expertise developed over time Longevity in community, ‘stay put’ factor Culture and belief system of care, esp. to marginalised

 Poverty and debt  Homelessness  Family  The elderly, dementia and mental health All reflected in Public Health Outcomes FrameworkPublic Health Outcomes Framework

sssffdd Friendship Community Belonging Practical support ‘Extended family’ Linking capital Opportunities Vital Statutory Services Hope

‘Often the mothers have been asylum seekers, impoverished emotionally and economically, and with psychiatric diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder. They have also been suicidal at times and isolated. The combination of psychotherapy treatment from our service and support in the community from Open Doors has enabled these mothers to transform a breakdown into a breakthrough and enabled the relationships with their babies to flourish.’ Dr Amanda Jones, PPIMHs, North East London Foundation Trust

Meet Marcia and Beata

For FBOs  Review assets  Develop relationships with statutory providers  Recognise unique expertise  Evaluate For Public health  Familiarise with FBOs  See the ‘value added’ and financial factor  Collaborate with FBOs  Leave something behind