Healthcare

A4e are committed to improving the lives of the most disadvantaged and disengaged people in society. People who face inequality and exclusion in the education they receive; the employment opportunities made available; the quality of their housing; and, their ability to access free and impartial financial and legal advice.

Moreover, we are committed to supporting the people who face the greatest health inequalities.

Why Health?

There are three main reasons why A4e are committed to developing and delivering health services

Firstly,the Marmot report defines health inequalities as a matter of fairness and social justice, but also a matter of life and death, with action required not through a separate health agenda, but through a whole society approach.

The call to action, outlined within the Marmot report, is clear:

• People living in the poorest neighbourhoods will, on average, die seven years earlier than their richest counterparts.
• The average difference in disability free life expectancy between these two extremes is 17 years
• So people living in poorer areas not only die sooner, but will also spend more of their shorter lives with a disability

Secondly, the quality of our nation’s health is under threat by the new era of affluence we move into, bringing with it a new set of health challenges.

• We are met with an almost incalculable impact of unhealthy lifestyles and the effects of obesity and poor diet, smoking and alcohol abuse.
• We face a continued rise in long-term conditions and chronic diseases with over 17 million people living with incurable conditions, such as diabetes, lung & heart disease and respiratory problems such as Asthma.
• We have an ageing population, a third of which are over the age of 50, with pensioners already outnumbering those under 16 years of age

Challenges, which require innovative solutions in the design of new services focusing on prevention, behaviour change and education; which enable people to manage their condition at home and in the community; and, which use technology to achieve this and more.

Thirdly, our health services need to do more for less. A reduction in annual spend combined with multi-billion pound efficiency savings, will force the hand of the NHS and Local Authorities to do things differently.

How can A4e help?

• We are embedded within the most disadvantaged communities and support the most disengaged individuals across society, making us best placed to improve the health of those who need it the most.
• We work beyond the boundaries of traditional public service delivery. Joining up Government services and funding to support the health, social care, welfare and debt, legal and housing needs of our customers.
• We are market leaders in the re-design of public services. We can offer innovative, alternative delivery solutions that will do more for less whilst delivering outcomes.
• We have assets to utilise that can make an impact now. Including a nationwide infrastructure of over 3,000 people, 250 offices and over 150 partners from the public, private and voluntary sector.

If you would like to find out more about how A4e could help your organisation please get in touch.

• See our fit for work news story.
• See our fit for work sick note leaflet.
• See our fit for work information leaflet.