Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)

 

Vision

To make the London Borough of Tower Hamlets an organisation which works closely with local people to collate, build and use research to make decisions and shape policy so that its local communities can live longer and healthier lives.

Mission

Our mission is to:

  • build and embed a research culture across the council 
  • bring together local policymakers, partners, universities, and the voluntary and community sector to identify and build evidence where it is needed the most
  • involve local people in building evidence and shaping policy.

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Why Tower Hamlets?

Tower Hamlets has one of the fastest-growing, youngest and most diverse populations in the UK. It also has a long history of inequality and poor health associated with child poverty, unemployment, overcrowding and air pollution.

Focusing on making changes here could help more people to live safe, happy, healthy and active lives in future.

Who do we work with?

We work with local organisations including the council, residents, local universities and community organisations to better understand the needs of local people in Tower Hamlets.

We want what we learn locally to be used to ensure everyone has the best chance of good health. The HDRC will help the council to make better decisions and put local people at the heart of everything we do. 

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What do we do?

Tower Hamlets HDRC is a partnership between the council, three local universities, and community organisations. Together, we:

  • work with local people to make research easier
  • improve the way data is collected and used
  • use evidence to inform policies, services and positive changes for local people
  • build research skills in the council and community
  • share our findings and experiences with others in Tower Hamlets and beyond.

We are committed to involving residents in our work, promoting equality, prioritising their voices and creating new ways for people to shape how they live.

How to contact us 

We’re happy to hear from residents, local voluntary sector organisations, community or academic researchers and council staff who are interested in getting involved with local research.

Please email hdrc@towerhamlets.gov.uk. We aim to respond to all requests within two weeks. 

Tower Hamlets HDRC is funded by NIHR. It helps local authorities do public health research on health issues and inequalities.