Measuring what counts (11th February 2010)This paper is based on a seminar organised jointly by Sainsbury Centre and the Department of Health in 2009.
It argues that public services do not routinely collect data on mental health inequalities and that the information they do collect is not used to its full potential.
It calls for better information to be collected and used to measure inequalities in mental health and the life chances of people with mental health problems.
Paper A problem shared is a problem halved? Dementia: learning opportunities from Europe (3rd February 2010)This report, published as a literature review and policy brief, comes at a time of growing awareness of dementia at the UK and EU level
The report argues that:
- There is still widespread disparity in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with dementia across Europe.
- Discrimination, ignorance and prejudice of dementia is rife.
- All EU countries will need to prioritise spending on dementia and reconcile need, want and value for the public purse in the coming years.
- There is increasing evidence to show early diagnosis coupled with effective early interventions and services are cost effective. Not only in terms of net savings, but in terms of the positive social outcomes for the patients’ families and caregivers.
- The identification of modifiable risk factors that prevent dementia or slow its progression must be a priority, this includes preventative factors such as a healthy diet, promoting physical and cognitive activity and controlling cardiovascular risk factors. Such investments in preventative measures would also improve general public health.
- National Action Plans like the National Dementia Strategy launched in England in 2009 are increasingly considered to be the ‘gold standard’ of policy interventions across Europe. However dementia specific actions and programmes are not in themselves a panacea, if problems in the wider health and social care arena are not addressed.
- There is an increasingly important role for the European Union Institutions to foster, promote and stimulate collaboration between EU Member States.
Press Release
Report
Oral Health Inequalities (30th October 2009)The British Dental Associations (BDA’s) Oral Health Inequalities policy sets out measures designed to tackle the unacceptable and growing inequalities in the nation’s oral health. Those living in the most deprived areas of the UK suffer the highest levels of oral disease.
The paper emphasises oral health education and preventive approaches to disease. It identifies the dental team as ideally placed to inform and advise patients about matters affecting their oral and general health, including nutrition, tobacco and alcohol. Strategies are set out to address the special requirements of vulnerable sections of society, including children, older people, prisoners and those with disabilities.
Policy
Understanding attitudes to tackling economic inequality (22nd June 2009)Research on public attitudes to inequality has tended to focus more on revealing attitudes than exploring what motivates them. This study aims to fill some of the gaps in existing research to provide useful insights for practitioners and policy-makers.
Study Political debate about economic inequality: an information resource (22nd June 2009)This study aims to increase understanding of how politicians think and talk about economic inequality, both in private and in public. It compares politicians' attitudes across and between five major political parties: the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, and the Scottish National Party. The research is particularly relevant given the recent turbulence with the financial system, the correspondingly high levels of attention upon the City and bonus culture, and the recession.
Report
What are the implications of attitudes to economic inequality? (22nd June 2009)This collection of three Viewpoints responds to work by the Fabian Society and Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) that looks at attitudes towards economic inequality and how to tackle it, and the political debate around it.
These Viewpoints and the research they respond to form part of a JRF programme on public interest in UK poverty.
Viewpoints
Why do people think inequality is worse than poverty? (10th December 2008)
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF's) recent public consultation revealed a strong sense of unease about some of the changes shaping British society. This Viewpoint continues the discussion about modern ‘socialevils’ on the theme of ‘inequality’. Jeremy Seabrook argues that, in the face of extraordinary imbalances in society, the myth that accumulating wealth is the supreme human purpose needs to be replaced before any improvement will occur.
Viewpoint
Opportunity and aspiration: two sides of the same coin? (10th December 2008)
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF's) recent public consultation revealed a strong sense of unease about some of the changes shaping British society. This Viewpoint continues the discussion about modern 'social evils' on the theme of 'inequality'. Chris Creegan argues that until we can reconcile the problems of excessive individualism, consumerism and greed at the heart of contemporary society, life opportunities will continue to be lost, limited and wasted.
Viewpoint
Five types of inequality (10th December 2008)
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF's) recent public consultation revealed a strong sense of unease about some of the changes shaping British society. This Viewpoint continues the discussion about modern 'social evils' on the theme of 'inequality'. Ferdinand Mount takes a wide view of the causes and possible cures of injurious inequalities, looking at five overlapping types of inequalities and how to remedy them.
Viewpoint
