The team includes experts on assets based approaches, health economics, social enterprise and realist approaches to research.  Methodologically the project is an exciting combination of qualitative methods, policy analysis, photovoice, Q methodology and economic evaluation. 

Dr Karen Galway and Dr Liam O’Hare will be managing the NI input, along with support from local CLO partners including Colin Neighbourhood Partnership and Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum (SPRING Social prescribing). 

This research is important because policy attention on community approaches to health and wellbeing has generally evolved faster than the evidence base. In order to ensure good policy, we need good evidence, developed through rigorous, theory-based studies. There is evidence starting to emerge that sustained positive health and social outcomes can only occur when people and communities have opportunities to manage their own futures, as well as having access to the skills and capabilities needed to do so. 

The importance of community – community spirit, mutual aid and support – was brought home to us all during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will help focus attention on the importance of community to public health generally; especially important as we rebuild, and imagine, what may be required to cope with future crises. 

Follow our project updates on the web page and on Twitter: @AssetsCommon  

For further information, please contact Dr Karen Galway.