On Wednesday 22 October, Somerset’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration and the Public Health team had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Sir Michael Marmot, a leading voice in health equity, to Somerset. He was joined by colleagues from Health Determinants Research Collaboration across the peninsula, making it a truly collaborative occasion.
Sir Michael spent the morning with local families at a Healthy Little Ones session, hosted by Somerset Public Health Nursing. Here, he connected with health visitors and assistant practitioners to learn more about the FOREST programme and its positive impact on early years development in our communities.
In the afternoon, our newly appointed Research Practitioners took centre stage, sharing their inspiring ideas for future research. Their projects will explore vital topics such as education, housing, giving children the best start in life, and responding to challenges like flooding, reflecting the real needs and priorities of people across Somerset. By working closely with the HDRC team, these practitioners will design and deliver research that generates practical evidence to inform local services, policies, and everyday practice.
Sir Michael’s reflections on these projects highlighted just how important it is to carry out research within local authorities, ensuring that the evidence we gather is relevant and can make a real difference in people’s lives. His visit served as a powerful reminder of the value of collaboration, community insight, and locally driven research in shaping healthier futures for Somerset.
