Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)
Tower Hamlets HDRC’s mission is to improve health and reduce health inequalities by boosting the use of evidence in the council.
We help to find, create and use research about what matters to local communities and what reduces inequalities. This will help the council to make sure its services and policies make a difference.
We focus on the building blocks of health: things that affect how we live, like good jobs, housing, education and the environment. The council and local community can change these together, working towards a society where everybody can thrive.
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.
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.