Health and Well-being

The meaning of health and wellbeing varies for each individual although evidence suggests that most people value ‘health’ and seek to be healthy. Health can be grounded in personal and social realities which in turn help to determine their attitudes, behaviour, choices and lifestyles which in turn impacts wellbeing. It is not easy to use a ‘one size fits all’ approach here as evidence suggests there are numerous factors that impact upon health.  Dahlgren and Whitehead’s representation of the wider determinants of health (Figure 2), these models suggest that creating better opportunities for an individual can improve their health and wellbeing which in turn helps to build stronger, empowered and resilient communities.

Determinants of Health

Dahlgren and Whitehead’s representation of the Wider Determinants to Health

The Building Choice Releasing Community Capacity programme has made a significant contribution to widening appreciation of the effects of the wider determinants of health on local residents.  Helping people with the opportunity to make better choices we are able to create the environment for them to become empowered.