The health and well-being of coastal communities in England was highlighted as an important and enduring challenge in the Chief Medical Officers 2021 annual report. Like rural communities, coastal communities exhibit significant variation in historic, physical, economic and social makeup. It is these characteristics of coastal places that can make them vulnerable to changes in socio-demographics and the broader economic and fiscal policy climate. Some coastal communities have experienced major shifts in economies and industries resulting in damaging social change while others have been insulated by large core populations or have been able to diversify and adapt. Lincolnshire’s coastal communities, particularly the towns of Mablethorpe and Skegness in the district of East Lindsey, are amongst the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country and its citizens experience high levels of ill health and social disadvantage. Conversely people who live there have good access to green and blue spaces and there are examples of local innovations to support the wellbeing of local people.
The Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH) has established partnerships with local health, social care and third sector organisations to develop 1) a shared understanding of the placebased drivers of health and wellbeing and 2) mobilise networks and local resources to develop solutions that address community priorities. This presentation will briefly discuss our mixed-methods approach to this work and highlight the critical importance of establishing genuine local partnerships.
Prof. Mark Gussy, Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln
Dr David Nelson, Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln
Dr Maxime Inghels, Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health, University of Lincoln
Dr Simon Lowe, First Coastal Primary Care Network
Kim Barr, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust
Dr Joanna Blackwell, School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln
Roxanne Warrick, East Lindsey District Council
Janet Farr, Community Learning in Partnership – CLIP