Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases of inequality, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged communities. What is needed is an innovative process to shift decision-making to local communities, while also reducing inequalities in the broader determinants of health. CHESS™ (Community Health Engagement Survey Solutions) is that process. Emerging from international research, CHESS has been implemented in eight London boroughs and two United Kingdom communities. Using the CHESS application for Android tablet, community members collect quantitative data on local assets and barriers that are conducive to good health (or not!). Community members interpret this data during insight sessions. Personal stories provide vital context about social, economic and health inequalities. These quantitative and qualitative results inform evidence-based recommendations, guided by public health expertise, for interventions that make it easier to be healthy. The community presents their recommendations to local decision-makers in a compelling argument for change. Outcomes from these CHESS community projects include improved access to healthy food and physical activity options through sport sessions for children, cooking lessons, community gardening, and free lunches for disadvantaged children. Evidence from CHESS™ has also resulted in over £2 million in funding for communities. In this presentation, participants will learn about the built environment’s effect on wellbeing, and how CHESS is used to overcome these barriers. A case study of a recently completed project which engaged 5,000 community members in Scotland and England will guide the discussion.