UEL supports Health Equals campaign in Year of Health

The University of East London (UEL) has announced its support for the Health Equals campaign, strengthening its commitment to reducing health inequalities.

Health Equals brings together charity, academia, and policy experts to help shape a society where everyone has the best chance of good health, no matter who they are or where they are born, work, and live.

The campaign raises awareness about how factors like stable jobs, quality housing, and clean air impact people’s health.

The University’s decision to support the initiative aligns with its Year of Health initiative, a major effort to improve health education, policies, and community care.

What is Health Equals?

Health Equals is a campaign launched in 2023 and supported by 67 organisations in a cross-sector coalition, including the Health Foundation, Shelter, Mind and People’s Health Trust. The campaign raises awareness about how factors like stable jobs, quality housing, and clean air impact people’s health. It highlights shocking differences in life expectancy depending on where someone is born in the UK.

Key facts about health inequality:

According to Health Equals:

Where a person is born in the UK can affect their life expectancy by up to 16 years.

People with the highest levels of education live, on average, four years longer than those with the lowest.

Around 6.7 million children in the UK live in areas where air pollution exceeds legal limits, harming their health.

Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, said,

The Health Equals campaign aligns with our values and our commitment to tackling health inequalities. Through our research, expertise and location, we can help shape policies, provide practical support, and make a real difference in people’s health outcomes. By combining our efforts, we can drive meaningful change and create a healthier, fairer future for all.

“This Year of Health is the perfect time to enact our commitment to transform health education, advocate for fair policies, invest in community-focused care, and use technology to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation. We believe that fair access to healthcare isn’t about ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions. Different communities have different needs, and we must create solutions that reflect those differences.”

Ruth Lowe, Policy and Engagement Manager at Health Equals, said, “We are delighted that the University of East London is supporting our campaign and joining our mission to make health equal. Our coalition brings together organisations from different sectors, with a collective goal to make a positive difference to society’s health, and it’s fantastic to have a higher education institution on board.

“UEL’s commitment to tackling health inequalities through research, education, and community engagement makes it a valuable partner in our mission.

“Currently, where you’re born in the UK can cut your life short by up to 16 years because of factors like income, housing and air quality - and evidence shows these inequalities are getting worse. We look forward to working with UEL to ensure that everyone has the best chance of good health, no matter where they live.”

UEL’s Year of Health: A commitment to change

Located in Newham - one of London’s most health-challenged boroughs - UEL is determined to make a difference.

One of the biggest projects under this initiative is the Stratford Health Campus. This new centre will provide advanced medical facilities, train NHS professionals, and support groundbreaking health research. It will also lay the foundation for a new medical school expected by 2027.

Good health is derived from a range of sources

UEL is studying how environmental sustainability affects health. Projects like Sugarcrete® - a low-carbon material made from sugarcane waste - and efforts to restore UK peatlands show how green initiatives can improve public health by reducing pollution and creating healthier communities.

UEL’s research highlights the importance of understanding childhood stressors, ensuring children grow up in stable and supportive settings. Studies such as those conducted by the BabyDevLab investigate how early life experiences shape long-term health, reinforcing the need for early interventions.

Access to safe and engaging play areas is another crucial determinant of health. Research shows that children who have access to green spaces and recreational facilities are more likely to develop healthy physical and mental habits, reducing long-term health risks. Similarly, UEL’s Sport in Your Futures initiative leverages sport as a tool for social mobility and health improvement, ensuring that young people in East London can engage in physical activity and lead healthier lives.

By addressing health from multiple angles - including sustainable environments, early childhood experiences, and access to physical activity - UEL aims to create a holistic approach to tackling health inequalities in the communities it serves.