The statistics on health inequalities, whilst shocking, don’t give insight into the reality for many people in Scotland. It’s important to remind ourselves of the human cost of not addressing the underlying causes of health inequalities.
Health Issues in the Community (HIIC) is a course that helps people understand what affects their health and the health of their communities. Run by tutors across Scotland, HIIC supports people of all ages to develop the skills and knowledge to address health issues using community development approaches.
With community development at its core, the course promotes the values of equality and non-discrimination, and the idea that everyone should be able to have a say in decision-making processes that affect them.
This includes people being supported to tell their story and, crucially, to be able to relate their life experiences to wider social injustices. These powerful stories from some of the HIIC participants paint a stark picture of the reality of poverty and health inequalities.
How the cumulative effect of different forms of poverty creates a sense of hopelessness.
The daily impact of not being able to afford school uniform and the resulting stress on young people and families.
Young people feeling shame and experiencing stigma, which can reduce their confidence in applying for courses and employment.
Parents dreading the summer holidays due to the cost of providing food (leading to ‘holiday hunger’) and extra activities.
The additional stress and stigma people can face when having to ask for help a second time after being referred to charities such as food banks.
Transport and technological barriers to accessing services , affording travel to appointments, clubs, shops and other services and support can be impossible, and online service delivery is often inaccessible for those living in poverty.
The effect of austerity on those living in poverty while working, including those on unstable zero-hour contracts, making it hard to make ends meet.
The stress and anxiety of changing to a different benefit and applying for universal credit, particularly when left ‘in limbo’ between different provision.
How poverty has a hugely detrimental effect on people’s mental health.
Food insecurity in disadvantaged communities – grocers closing down due to the local population not being able to afford fresh produce.
These are just some of the many stories which highlight the insidious and cumulative effect that poverty and inequalities have on people and their health.