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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

5. The refresh of the national performance framework gives a chance to revisit and agree outcomes to work towards, but also drive a better collaborative approach to delivery.

Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

4. There was recognition that the shift to prevention challenges us to rethink our approaches, and to find ways to bring the public with us. The journey to prevention is hard - there is no “template to make the shift”, but there is a clear need to do so.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

3. There was also discussion on the wider work in SHERU, utilising action learning set methodologies within local authorities and the importance of space for cross collaborative working.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

2. The panel noted the importance of learning from examples, as emphasised by SHERU on other models demonstrated in Ireland and Iceland.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

1. Questions to the panel included how best to respond to policy blind spots, managing the shift to prevention and a challange on bringing wider public engagement to difficult decision-making choices.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

ICYCMI some insights from our panel discussion at the launch of the new SHERU report out today on how to prevent premature deaths from drugs, alcohol and suicide amongst men in Scotland (a 🧵):

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

(3/3) He highlighted core statistics and evidence of “wasted opportunities” as illustrated in the SHERU research published today and focused on the need to be thinking about good governance, national outcomes, and spending plans.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

(2/3) Whilst highlighting the challenging times for us in Scotland we need to do more to recognise and realise the ambitions from the Christie Commission, published 14 years ago(!), around prevention.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

(1/3) At the launch of SHERU's report this morning, we were joined by the Auditor General Stephen Boyle to hear about the work of @auditscotland.bsky.social on how to best deliver on preventative policy in Scotland.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

See coverage of today's report from SHERU on how younger adult men, at risk of deaths from drugs, alcohol and suicide, are a 'policy blindspot':

www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/policy-...

Policy "blind spot" driving Scottish men from poor homes to early grave

Shocking report slates Scottish Government for failing to build for future success with joined-up policies to reverse our nation's shameful record on drugs, alcohol and suicide deaths

www.dailyrecord.co.uk

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

You can find out more by accessing the full report here: scothealthequity.org/2025-inequal...

Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

7/7 The report concludes that Scotland has the ambition and expertise to reduce preventable deaths — but doing so will need stronger leadership, better data, and more joined-up government decisions.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

6/7 Drawing on approaches from Ireland and Iceland, the report calls for person-centred use of data and long-term, coordinated programmes that intervene well before young adults reach crisis point.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

5/7 As identified in the first part of the report - this sits against modest progress in child poverty reduction and income gains. But structural inequalities in housing, education and work continue to shape poor health outcomes across Scotland.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

4/7 We identify this group as a policy “blind spot.” Many face insecure work, low qualifications, poor mental health, homelessness, and justice system contact — yet often receive little support until crisis point.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

3/7 Drug misuse, alcohol-related harm and suicide made up around 70% of male deaths in these categories in 2023. The burden is greatest in Scotland’s most deprived areas, driving a life expectancy gap of over 13 years.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

2/7 Published as a two-part analysis, the report shows that while men on average do relatively well in income and employment, this hides a subgroup of young adult men facing multiple disadvantages and a high risk of preventable deaths.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 19d

1/7 This morning we launched our 2025 Inequality Landscape report at the Fraser of Allander Institute 50th Anniversary conference #FAI50

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 20d

Poll amongst participants on how to strengthen policy implementation as part of today's SHERU session

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 20d

We're at the Fraser of Allander 50th conference today talking about our work on Strengthening Policy Implementation.

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 21d

These briefings aim to encourage dialogue about ways Scotland can strengthen its response to health inequalities by linking housing policy and health equity.

Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 21d

The strategy outlines many actions with the potential to reduce health inequalities but these are all experiencing implementation challenges.

Housing plays an important role in Scotland's health inequalities and requires joined up policymaking, especially now, as Scotland faces a housing emergency

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 21d

We're also publishing a linked briefing on international definitions & measures of ‘affordable housing’, which also explores what definitions are being used in Scotland. 📖 Read here:
scothealthequity.org/internationa...

International Definitions and Measures of ‘Affordable Housing’ and Current Local Practices in Scotland - Scottish Health Equity Research Unit

and Current Local Practices in Scotland

scothealthequity.org

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · 21d

🏡 Our new report: what role can Scottish housing policy play in reducing health inequalities? See here: scothealthequity.org/raising-the-...

Raising the roof: can Scotland’s Housing to 2040 Strategy help as an approach to reduce health inequalities? - Scottish Health Equity Research Unit

Can Scotland’s Housing to 2040 Strategy help as an approach to reduce health inequalities?

scothealthequity.org

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Scottish Health Equity Research Unit @scothealtheq.bsky.social · Sep 2

7/7 SHERU will be releasing a new report at the FAI 50th conference later this month focusing on the socioeconomic determinants that underpin such high levels of deaths from drugs, as well as alcohol and suicide, in Scotland. Sign up here: fraserofallander.org/the-fraser-o...

The Fraser of Allander Institute Economic and Social Policy Conference 2025 | FAI

A few weeks ago, we announced our exciting plans to celebrate the Fraser of Allander’s 50th anniversary. As part of this, we were thrilled to announce that we are hosting our first economic and…

fraserofallander.org