The work of Castle Vale Housing Action Trust in Birmingham has added seven years to the average resident's lifespan.
Research for the HAT found life expectancy has been brought that much closer to Birmingham's average of 76 years. And the number of residents in good health has risen from 45% to about 75%.

The results reflect the HAT's work to end the social and economic disadvantages Castle Vale's residents suffered when the agency took over a decade ago. At that time, life expectancy trailed at about 68 years compared to the Birmingham average of 73.

In the same 10-year period, unemployment has been slashed from 25% to just 5%.

Among the HAT's initiatives is a £2.5m nursing home. The local primary care trust has bought bed spaces from the firm that runs the service to care for patients close to their homes and end bed blocking, where hospital beds are used by people who do not have suitable accommodation to return to.

The trust has also set up a response team to deal with health emergencies in the community.

Other moves include volunteers delivering fruit and vegetables, and a nursery with facilities for children with special needs.

The HAT ploughed £6.5m into environmental improvements last year, in recognition of the links between poor conditions and ill health. Waste from its huge demolition programme to get rid of 34 tower blocks is being recycled in partnership with a private contractor.

Chief executive Angus Kennedy said the success of the nursing home spurred the HAT into plans for a major development of a health village. The existing health centre will be demolished and replaced, bringing services from local hospitals to the estate for the first time. It will be the last big health scheme before the HAT winds up in three years' time.

Kennedy said: "It will contribute to the further reduction in life chance disparities that have affected residents for so long."

Source

Housing Today