Keeping us well: How non-health charities address the social determinants of health

Stark and widespread health inequalities in the UK represent a striking social injustice.

A difference of nearly two decades in healthy life expectancy between those living in the least and most deprived areas is largely influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors known as ‘social determinants of health’.

The impact that these social factors have on our health mean that even those charities that are not explicitly pursuing a health-focused mission—‘non-health charities’, as we call them—are helping to support people’s health.

This report aims to support non-health charities to better understand and use the evidence about seven social factors that impact on people’s health and well-being: good work, money and resources, housing, family, education and skills, friends and communities, our surroundings.

If charities are taking action to reduce these avoidable health inequalities they are working in the cause of social justice.

Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the Institute of Health Equity