Leeds Beckett University’s research expertise is set to improve health outcomes in Wakefield thanks to £1.25million funding to help tackle health inequalities in the city.

The funding is part of a £5million Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) grant to Wakefield Council. The research partnership will also involve Sheffield Hallam University, St George’s Community Centre and Prosper Wakefield.

The council will use the money to examine why people living in the district have poorer health than those living in other parts of the country.

The healthy life expectancy – the average number of years a person would expect to live in good health – of men in the city is only 59 which is five years below the England rate.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said:

“The Wakefield district is a wonderful place to live, but sadly it’s still the case that many of our residents will not reach retirement age in good health. This funding will help us to change that by giving us greater insight into what affects our residents’ health and wellbeing and ultimately allow us to deliver services to our communities that really make a difference.”

The partnership will work closely with communities to understand what is already strong and works for them. It will also give residents the chance to make their own decisions about health and care and will ensure the Council and its partners focus more on the right priorities and outcomes for all Wakefield residents.

Leeds Beckett research is driving changes in dementia services and cancer care and reducing obesity, as well as identifying and addressing health inequalities faced by women, minority groups and prisoners.

Professor James Woodall from the School of Health at Leeds Beckett University, said:

 “I am delighted that the School of Health are supporting Wakefield’s ambitions to improve public health in this community. Our high-quality research and support for evidence-based decision-making improves health outcomes and reduces inequalities like those in Wakefield.”

Photo: Leeds Beckett University