Tackling health inequalities to improve the health and well-being of younger and older residents in Leicestershire

Authors: Dr Giulia Ogliari and Dr Sarah McNeill

Affiliations: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Leicestershire, Leicestershire County Council, UK

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Tackling health inequalities to improve the health and well-being of younger and older residents across Leicestershire is the mission of the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDCR) Leicestershire. Dr Giulia Ogliari explores Dr Sarah McNeill’s thoughts.

What is HDRC Leicestershire? 

It is a team based at Leicestershire County Council including researchers, council staff and the public helping to explore what shapes good health. It aims to address health inequalities by building evidence to inform council policies and services. Funded with £5.25 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), it is part of a network of 30 HDRCs across the UK.

What about the context, Leicestershire? 

Leicestershire has a population of about 734,000 residents – 21% aged 65 and over – spread over a unique mix of urban and rural areas. There are issues of loneliness, social isolation and poor access to services linked to rurality.

Who are the partners of HDRC Leicestershire? 

Leicestershire County Council; the public; four academic institutions – De Montfort University, the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham.

How are you involving the public? 

We created a Public Advisory Group to be consulted on key decisions. We are planning annual public assemblies. In 2025, 61 participants joined our first public assembly to set our research themes.

What are your research themes?

We set these nine themes:

·      Spaces and places that influence health

·      Protecting, using, and living in the countryside and other green spaces

·      Spacious, affordable housing

·      Isolation and sense of community

·      Community empowerment and knowledge sharing

·      Community safety

·      Inclusive opportunities to discover and pursue aspirations

·      Income and cost of living and thriving

·      Inclusive and accessible transport

Could you describe a current project?

We are supporting the Volunteering Policy Officer in a campaign to promote volunteering among adults close to retirement – many of these wish to remain socially engaged and productive. Indeed, research has shown the benefits of volunteering on the physical and mental health of older volunteers. In line with the WHO’s Healthy Ageing’s framework, we aim to support these in accessing the wide range of volunteering opportunities available locally.

How can we help you in reaching your goals? If you share similar interests, please reach out at hdrc@leics.gov.uk and follow us on NIHR Leicestershire HDRC | LinkedIn

Dr Giulia Ogliari