Community Development
A written proposal outlining a project based on community development principles to assess and address health inequalities within a particular community.
Health inequalities are likely to affect different population groups in a variety of ways. Certain groups of people and particular factors are linked to an increased risk of experiencing health problems. Commentators such as McKeown (1979) have made the case that medicine has a small impact as a determinant of health. Others have also argued that aspects of living conditions, associated with varying levels of economic and social development are more significant in determining whether or not people become ill (Curtis, S. 2004) (Check Clark Sociology text book to identify groups that are likely to experience inequalities and list them)
In this piece of work the author will outline a proposal for a project based on community development principles which will assess and address health inequalities within a chosen community. The project will involve working with a community in East London to establish how members of the community can access information on health and well being.
Health records in this community (ONS 2001) have identified risk factors associated with Cerebrovascular diseases including smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating behaviours. The essay will explore the five stage community empowerment model by Bracht, Kingsbury and Rissell (1999) and processes that can be utilised to plan, assess, implement and evaluate the community based activity.
Community empowerment is a state that communities may attain as a result of collective action that results in a raised level of consciousness. This results in the achievement of some redistribution of resources or decision making sought by a community or subgroup. Empowerment is a central construct of health promotion. For example, the Ottawa Charter (WHO 1986) defines Health Promotion as “the process of enabling people to increase control
Health inequalities are likely to affect different population groups in a variety of ways. Certain groups of people and particular factors are linked to an increased risk of experiencing health problems. Commentators such as McKeown (1979) have made the case that medicine has a small impact as a determinant of health. Others have also argued that aspects of living conditions, associated with varying levels of economic and social development are more significant in determining whether or not people become ill (Curtis, S. 2004) (Check Clark Sociology text book to identify groups that are likely to experience inequalities and list them)
In this piece of work the author will outline a proposal for a project based on community development principles which will assess and address health inequalities within a chosen community. The project will involve working with a community in East London to establish how members of the community can access information on health and well being.
Health records in this community (ONS 2001) have identified risk factors associated with Cerebrovascular diseases including smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating behaviours. The essay will explore the five stage community empowerment model by Bracht, Kingsbury and Rissell (1999) and processes that can be utilised to plan, assess, implement and evaluate the community based activity.
Community empowerment is a state that communities may attain as a result of collective action that results in a raised level of consciousness. This results in the achievement of some redistribution of resources or decision making sought by a community or subgroup. Empowerment is a central construct of health promotion. For example, the Ottawa Charter (WHO 1986) defines Health Promotion as “the process of enabling people to increase control
References: Bracht, N., Kingsbury, L.,and Rissel, C. (1999). Health Promotion at the Community Level: New Advances. Thousand Oaks, CA; Sage Publications. Curtis, S. (2004) Health and Inequality. London; Sage Publications Earle, S. (2007) Theory and Research in Promoting public Health, London; Sage/the Open University Jones, L., Sidell, M., and Douglas, J., (2006) The Challenge of Promoting Health: Exploration and Action. London; Palgrave Lloyd, C.E., Handsley, S., Douglas, J., Earle, S., and Spurr, S. (2007) Policy and Practice in Promoting Public Health. Milton Keynes; Sage/The Open University Maser, C. (1997) Sustainable Community Development: Principles and Concepts. Delray Beach ; St. Lucie Press, McKeown, T. (1979) The Role of Medicine: Dream, Mirage or Nemesis. New York; Tavistock Plant, R. (1998) Social Policy and Social Justice: The IPPR Reader, Cambridge; Polity. Wanless, D., (2004) Securing Good Health for the Whole Population: Final Report, London; HM Treasury