HALN: Supporting anchor institutions to tackle local health inequalities

As large organisations rooted in place and connected to their communities, anchor institutions use their resources, influence and work in partnership to maximise their positive social, economic and environmental impact. Health anchors (the NHS, local councils, businesses and education institutions) improve the social determinants of health, health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.

Through designing and delivering the Health Anchors Learning Network in partnership with The Health Foundation, we have supported anchor organisations across a range of sectors to intentionally tackle inequalities, focusing on the causes of poor health outcomes – such as work, housing and clean air – rather than just the result.

In four years of delivering HALN, we have built momentum across the UK through a range of activities including: 

• 1,750+ people subscribed to a thriving newsletter network
   
• 22+ Public events run focussed on key pillars of anchor practice
   
• 1900+ Attendees reached

The approach

Practical and relevant sharing and learning is at the heart of the network – and HALN provides a range of opportunities for participants to:

• Engage with peers to learn from each other’s diverse experiences
   
• Develop skills and learn from experts from health and care and other sectors
   
• Connect with other existing relevant geographic or thematic NHS networks
   
• Create innovative practices and establish collaborations
   
• Problem solve together.
   

By working together, the network:

• Supports anchors at the heart of local partnerships to develop their capacity and capability to maximise the economic, social and environmental impact
   
• Grows the evidence base about the role and impact of anchors
   
• Scales the work of anchors across the UK
   
• Supports innovation and informs policy change.

Whether participants are new to anchor initiatives or have been delivering anchor work for a while, HALN designs targeted learning activities to address their needs including events, learning sets, online discussion forums, resources, blogs, and learning pathways.