health and wellbeing Resources

Despite the recommendations of the original Marmot Report in 2010 (Marmot, 2010) and the subsequent Marmot review (2020), the widening gap causing health inequalities has impacted on life expectancy, particularly in areas with elevated levels of multiple deprivation. The gap has resulted in those living in the least deprived areas living longer than those in the most deprived areas. Moreover, the past 18 months has witnessed an exponential rise in the numbers of people developing significant health issues, such
as mental ill-health and obesity because of the Covid-19 pandemic (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Here, Michelle Howarth, senior lecturer in nursing, Salford, Jo Ward, change maker, North West strategic lead for social prescribing, Cheshire and Merseyside Women and Children’s Partnership Museum Development Yorkshire consultant, and Daisy Jackson, North West regional mentor for care coordination and lead care coordinator, explore why there is an increased precedent to support communities to reduce this gap and address the wider determinants of health for citizens.

Why reading can support patients' health and wellbeing.

The number of people in the UK living with long-term health conditions is rising, increasing the pressure on primary care services and staff as well as impacting on the quality of life of those affected. Primary care professionals, such as general practice nurses (GPNs), are responsible for a huge amount of the day-to-day care and management planning for these patients. Providing quality-assured information and support is an important part of this role, as is helping people to develop the right skills and knowledge to support self-care and self-management. 

National charity, The Reading Agency, works in partnership with public libraries to provide Reading Well Books on Prescription, i.e. carefully curated book lists of qualityassured health information and support, to help people to understand and manage a range of health conditions. This includes a new strand, launched in July 2017, which supports those living with long-term conditions, such as arthritis, bowel conditions, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.