Pineo, H; Bevan, S; Ruck, A; McNab, D; Deidda, C; (2018) Translating community perceptions of health and place into local planning policy and monitoring frameworks. In: (Proceedings) Healthy City Design International 2017. SALUS (Science, Architecture, Lifestyle, Urbanism, Sustainability)

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Abstract

FRAMEWORK: Southwark and Lambeth Councils received funding from Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity to use intensive quantitative and qualitative social research methods to generate robust, location-specific findings across three key health themes: social interaction and isolation, obesity and inactivity, and health service provision/access. The research focused on two key regeneration areas where significant growth is planned. The councils commissioned an academic literature review to inform the research methods. The research was undertaken externally and involved: face-to-face in-home surveys (453 residents); two resident workshops on social isolation; one focus group with mothers on social interaction; six focus groups with school children on healthy eating and walking; one focus group about health services; and five in-depth interviews with primary healthcare professionals. // PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The social research findings were summarised in a final report and presented to council staff (planning and public health) and the project steering group (external stakeholders covering policy and academe). Key findings included residents’ perceptions of: lack of safety in certain areas at night; traffic safety concerns; need for local affordable amenities, including leisure facilities; issues with affordability of locally available fresh food and high number of fast-food outlets; provision of green space; and interest in a community facility combining health services with other offers, such as leisure or training. Several specific built environment characteristics were highlighted by participants as impacting physical activity and social interaction. // OUTCOMES: This mixed-methods research project facilitated a far more representative and thorough analysis of health and place than can be achieved through typical community engagement activities. Participatory mapping was identified in the literature review, and was included in some focus groups. However, the maps were not meaningfully annotated and, as a result, some of the research findings were difficult to contextualise spatially and transfer to policy. This was a key lesson learned. It was also noted that interview questions should allow for regional or national benchmarking where possible (using published survey data). // IMPLICATIONS: The residents’ perceptions have been used to inform a review of local planning policies, including a site-specific area action plan and borough-wide policies. This new local knowledge will also inform the selection of indicators to monitor the success of local policies in improving the built environment for health over time. This work is ongoing and may include exposure-based indicators (such as access to green space) and effect-based indicators (such as prevalence of obesity).

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