Gateshead Council is set to receive £1.17m to tackle health inequalities throughout the borough.
The funding, from the Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group, will be used as part of the pandemic recovery as well as tackling poverty.
According to council documents, around £380,000 of the cash is earmarked for a proposal from Edbert House. The charity will put this money towards starting a community hub in Highfield to “tackle health and social inequalities and build wellbeing through community-based approach”.
Edbert House is part of a larger charitable organisation working throughout Gateshead. Other projects include Pattina’s Kitchen in Pattinson Gardens in Gateshead.
The need for such funding was highlighted to councillors in a report from the local authority’s health department. It read: “Two years on, the impact of the pandemic and learning since highlighted the need to continue to focus on the evidence-based policy objectives set out in strategy to improve outcomes, and tackle avoidable, unfair, and systematic health inequalities.”
Alice Wiseman, Gateshead’s director of public health, identified several social issues in her annual report which have historically negatively impacted the health of Gateshead residents.
Over half of people and families in Gateshead were “just managing or just coping” with around 30% in need or in a vulnerable position. Ms Wiseman’s report also stated austerity and increased need have made it difficult for Gateshead Council to attend to residents’ needs.
The North East has also seen the largest increase in child poverty with a 6.5% increase over four years “leaving families in the region ill-equipped to cope”.
Ms Wiseman said: “Life expectancy and health outcomes are influenced by a wide range of factors, including housing, employment, education, childhood experiences and poverty. To help us understand how we can best address these issues and direct our limited resources to where they will make the biggest difference. It’s essential that we work with our communities and ensure their voices are heard.
“Working with our partners at Edberts House is a key way in which we do this, as they’re experts in delivering community-based services and building trusted relationships between communities, public services and support agencies.
“This funding will be used to build on the community hub model that has already made a huge difference in areas across Gateshead. Edberts House, Pattinson House, Larkspur House and now Highfield House offer residents a place to go, in the heart of their communities, where they can not only expect a welcoming social experience but also access any support they may need.
“The funding will also support the growth of the social prescribing network across the borough, strengthening the existing links between the NHS, council services and other partners.
“Ultimately, this work will empower people to help shape services that meet their needs and help them live healthier and more fulfilling lives.”
