Prevention starts with the building blocks of health: HEG joins Health Equals

Health Equalities Group (HEG) is joining Health Equals because we share a commitment to creating the conditions that enable everyone to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life. Across the UK, many communities continue to face unfair and avoidable barriers to good health; from poor-quality housing and limited transport links to unhealthy environments shaped by commercial influences. These challenges require collective action, long-term thinking and strong collaboration across sectors.

HEG’s role within Health Equals is grounded in partnership. For over two decades we have worked closely with local authorities, NHS Trusts, schools and voluntary organisations to design and deliver practical approaches that improve population health. Our experience shows that meaningful progress happens when organisations combine their strengths, share learning and work towards a shared purpose. By joining Health Equals, we want to add our voice to collective efforts that bring attention to the wider determinants of health and champion prevention as a long-term national priority.

Based in the North West, we also bring insight from a region that experiences some of the deepest and most persistent health inequalities in the UK. This local understanding complements the national policy, research and advocacy capabilities across the Health Equals coalition, helping to ensure that prevention-focused ambitions reflect the realities of the communities most affected by inequality.

This partnership comes at a pivotal moment. There is growing recognition across government, health systems and civil society that improving the nation’s health requires sustained investment in prevention, coordinated approaches to population health, and policies that create healthier environments. By working together, HEG and Health Equals can support decision-makers and communities to act on the evidence of what works.

Our shared ambition is clear: to help build a fairer, healthier society by strengthening the systems and environments that shape everyday life. Collaboration is central to achieving this, and we are proud to join others working towards this common goal.

Health Equals is the UK’s campaign for improving health opportunities.

We’re a coalition of over 100 organisations across different sectors and areas of focus — from employment to housing, education and the environment — who all want to make a positive difference to society’s health and wellbeing.

Find out more at healthequals.org.uk