Our research

Systematic review on economic inequalities and health inequalities

We are reviewing existing research to understand how differences in income, education, and job opportunities affect health. We will identify successful interventions to improve people's access to education and stable employment in other places and assess how they could work in Greater Essex.

Our recommendations will help shape policies that reduce health inequalities and improve well-being in the area.

Local tax and benefits model

We are developing a microsimulation model to explore how tax and benefit changes affect people in different parts of Greater Essex. We are adapting UKMOD, a widely used UK-wide tax-benefit model, to reflect local employment and economic trends.

The model will show how changes to policies will impact people's incomes and work incentives and help policymakers make more informed decisions.

Economic and health inequalities model

We are developing a dynamic microsimulation model to track how economic and health inequalities evolve over time. This will help predict how changes in employment, income and health affect people’s lives, allowing policymakers to test policy ideas and plan for long-term improvements.

The model will provide data insights to support better policies, reduce inequalities and improve economic and health outcomes for people in Greater Essex.

Connect to Work evaluation

In collaboration with Essex County Council, we will evaluate the Connect to Work Programme in Greater Essex. This will explore the impact of the first year of the Connect to Work Programme and examine the challenges associated with hidden unemployment and how the Connect to Work Programme addresses these issues.

This evaluation will help decision makers to understand the short-term impacts of the Connect to Work Programme and refine the programme for subsequent years.

This workstream will explore the educational factors that affect health outcomes. We will carry out research which will identify and review strategies both in and outside of the classroom to improve educational outcomes and reduce inequalities.

Food environment

We want to ensure everyone in Greater Essex has access to affordable, nutritious food. However, food insecurity is rising in the UK. Our research will enable policymakers to better understand and address this challenge at a local level. It will include:

• collaborating with Anglia Ruskin University's Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE) to identify solutions to tackle the causes of food insecurity
• community listening to understand the experiences of those who use food banks and community supermarkets in Greater Essex

Active environments

Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent ill health, yet many places and spaces do not support active lifestyles. Our research will identify the barriers to physical activity and the things that support it. It will include:

• collaborating with Intelligent Health to analyse survey data collected through Beat the Street games across Greater Essex to create a framework that helps policymakers understand and encourage active travel behaviours
• collaborating with Active Essex to determine how well Essex Design Guide's active design principles are being implemented, the impact on physical activity and health and whether this is being experienced equally

Healthy homes

The homes in which we live are a major determinant of our health. For many in Greater Essex, their homes contribute to poor health outcomes. Our research will help policymakers understand what can be done to make homes healthier. It will include:

• exploring the question ‘what is a healthy home?’ with Greater Essex residents who live in a range of housing types

Some people are more vulnerable to poor health outcomes than others. We will identify the range of factors that contribute to this issue. We will use our findings to create a framework to help policymakers understand and act on these factors.

Social determinants of suicide

We will explore the social factors that make some people more at risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts. We will interview professionals working in suicide prevention in Greater Essex to better understand the experiences of the people they support and identify the factors that make some people vulnerable.