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Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing
Woman conducting a Postgraduate Psychology experiment

Research and Engagement across Communities for Health (REACH County Durham)

REACH County Durham is a partnership between Durham County Council, Durham University and Durham Community Action.  Our aim is to examine ways to tackle the unfair and avoidable differences in health experienced by communities in our area, what we call  the “wider determinants of health”.  These play a crucial role in shaping health outcomes for County Durham residents.

REACH are currently developing content on the topics listed below and will upload this information soon.

  • Partners and Collaborators
  • Research and Evidence
  • Community Involvement
  • Training and Development
  • News and Events

Things like income, education, housing, employment, and social support networks all contribute to a person’s ability to maintain good health. Inequalities in these areas can lead to disparities in health, which is why addressing them is so important in public health, research, community interventions and policy efforts.

For example, someone living in a high-income neighbourhood with access to nutritious food, green spaces, and quality healthcare is likely to have better health outcomes than someone facing financial struggles, unstable housing, and limited access to healthcare services. Policies that promote equal opportunities, fair wages, and social inclusion can help mitigate these challenges and improve health for all.

In County Durham a child born in one part of our county could live 9.5 years less than a child born in another neighbourhood (Source: Office for National Statistics). This gap in life expectancy widens further when compared to many other parts of the UK.  REACH County Durham exists to turn the tide on this.

If you are interested in finding out more about REACH County Durham, please e-mail: publichealth@durham.gov.uk

Useful Links

REACH Engagement Leaflet

REACH Website

Durham Team Members

Jonathan Wistow, Wolfson Research Instutute for Health and Wellbeing and Durham Research Methods Centre, Strategic Research Lead: Wider Determinants of Health.

Charlotte Clarke, Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Member, REACH Steering Group

Neil Heckles, Impact & Policy Senior Manager in the Research and Innovation Services, Member, REACH Steering Group

Britta Turner, Policy Engagement Manager in the Research and Innovation Services, Member, REACH Steering Group

Suzi Boyd, Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Member of REACH County Durham Partner Comms Group