Background

Our work builds on a legacy of social science-informed community-based research over the last ten years in two of the Welsh Government's Communities First clusters.

Communities First is the Welsh Government's flagship programme designed to improve living conditions and prospects of people in the most disadvantaged communities across Wales. Outcomes are identified and delivered through three themes; health, prosperity and learning.

Cardiff University recognises opportunities for joint-working with Communities First to facilitate dialogue between the University, Communities First staff, third sector and public sector organisations and residents of Communities First clusters.

Through research, evaluation and collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders and the public, we will create communities that are better able to participate in processes that shape their futures. This reflects the conclusions of the Marmot Report, Fair Society, Healthy Lives (2010) that enabling 'all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives' could make an important contribution to the reduction of health inequalities.