10GM Blog: 

At 10GM we know that wider determinants of health, such as insecure, low-paid employment and inaccessible housing, significantly impact our mental and physical health. Over time, these cause health inequalities and result in poorer health and wellbeing outcomes. There’s a great opportunity to tackle this across Greater Manchester and create sustainable change through long-term investment in local community-led prevention and sustainable strategic partnerships between the VCSE sector and local health systems. 

There are lots of examples of best practices for community-led prevention across Greater Manchester. Caribbean African Health Network’s (CAHN) Knowledge Access Screening Opportunities (KASO) project in Manchester recognises that Caribbean and African people are twice more likely to suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) , and builds knowledge about CVD-related conditions in a culturally, and religiously appropriate way, to ensure that it is understood and meaningful to the communities they serve.

The Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) tailored its work to the local communities' needs. Alliances of local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations ensure holistic provision targeted at individuals, families, schools, and communities of highest need. Their work identified a strategic need to engage with youth groups to mitigate anti-social behaviour actively and supported the regeneration of New Bury Boxing Club. A Social Value Assessment created by SportFin shows that not only has it deterred violence and anti-social behaviours in the local community, but it has also contributed to reducing associated risks for CVD, diabetes, mental health, and many other health outcomes.