LOCAL CONVERSATION
Introduction
Local Conversations is an innovative funding programme that aims to support communities experiencing disadvantage to come together; engage in dialogue about local needs, assets and aspirations; take action to make their area an even better place to live; and, as a result, increase the control they have over the things that are important to them. The ultimate aim is to contribute to reducing health inequalities experienced by people living in disadvantaged areas.
The New Economics Foundation (NEF) is commencing a four-year evaluation of the Local Conversations programme. This paper introduces the programme and outlines the evaluation methodology.
About Local Conversations
Local Conversations is a grants programme run by People’s Health Trust. It provides long-term funding to communities experiencing social and economic disadvantage. The funding supports people to come together and decide local priorities based on their aspirations, and to take action to improve things locally. A local lead organisation helps to engage local people and facilitate the Local Conversation. Local people are involved in decision-making roles through Steering Groups or Panels. The aim is that the programme will help to make improvements in the local social determinants of health, improve local services, increase the individual and collective control of local people, increase health and well-being, and ultimately reduce health inequalities.
The evidence behind the programme
It is already known that the level of control that a person has over their life is associated with their health. For example, Michael Marmot’s influential Whitehall II study showed that:
‘People in jobs characterised by low control had higher rates of sickness absence, of mental illness, of heart disease and pain in the lower back.’
There is evidence that health is affected by the amount of control that communities have over decisions that affect them collectively. Initiatives that aim to promote collective control, for example through co-production, community engagement and community empowerment, have been shown to increase sense of control, self-esteem and self-confidence among individuals, and to increase social capital, social cohesion and social connectedness in communities. All of these outcomes have been shown to have a positive influence on health.
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Lozells, Birmingham
Lozells is an urban area on the outskirts of Birmingham. The Local Conversation area is geographically small and densely populated. The community includes people from a range of ethnic groups – most prevalently more established Bengali, Pakistani, Irish and white British communities living alongside newer arrivals such as Somalis and Eritreans.
People living in Lozells really like living there and are proud of their community. The community is close knit and supportive, and this is seen as a great strength. Historically, the area has had a ‘bad reputation’, with some stigma attached, but this has been changing over recent years and people expressed pride in living there.
Language barriers can mean that some people are socially isolated and can find it hard to know how to deal with issues such as housing or benefits, meaning that their needs can remain hidden.
There is a need for more employment opportunities and accessible, affordable activities for young people, providing a nurturing, encouraging space:
‘A high number of boys [who attend our football club] have been expelled for misbehaving […] A lot feel very disappointed with their schools – a lot of schools like their good kids […but it] gets worse for the others […] They’re not naughty, they’re just showing off, being one of the lads.’ – adult working with young people
On the whole, the community is not engaged in taking social action, but this is starting to change as a result of the Local Conversation. Litter and dumping of bulk waste on the streets is a very visible problem in the area, and local people have begun to take ownership of keeping the streets clear of rubbish, with some success.
The Local Conversation is building strong links with people in positions of power, including through the project steering group and as an active member of Citizens UK.
The project’s priority areas are:
1. Children and young people.
2. Jobs and money.
3. Place, environment and safety.