Newham LBC’s winning nomination in the Place Based Approaches to Health Equity category at The MJ Awards this year showed the clear rewards of taking a system-wide approach, say Katherine Merrifield and Gwen Nightingale

In 2022 the Health Foundation had its attention firmly placed on local government, pivoting key aspects of our work throughout the year to support activity and learning in the sector.

Local government is best placed to invest in the services and opportunities that keep people healthy and help their communities in a targeted and meaningful way. Innovative, place-based practice on the wider determinants of health – factors like housing, access to green spaces and education – drive beneficial health outcomes. And it is a cause for celebration when this work has positive, tangible outcomes, which is why we were delighted to sponsor an award.