HEALTHCARE

Chapel St exists to improve the health of the whole community.

“Health is inextricably linked to the way people live their lives and the opportunities available to choose health in the communities where they live.” *

Although public health has improved significantly over the last century, there are many new and sizeable challenges facing healthcare deliverers and those that they serve. All too often in the twenty-first century, the health of a person is dictated by where they live. In the main, those who live in under-resourced communities will live less healthy and, ultimately, shorter lives than those in more privileged contexts. And yet, research also tells us that when providers effectively address the needs of the most under-privileged, the health of the whole community is radically improved as a result.

Effective, community-focussed Primary Healthcare plays a critical role in Chapel St’s work. Our team is working with Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), local authorities, education providers, community groups, faith-based organisations and other agencies to provide innovative solutions and holistic healthcare for those communities suffering a lack of locally-available frontline services and higher levels of long-term sickness, addiction and early mortality.

* Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier, Department of Health, 16 November 2004, p.9. Italics added.