In life people are presented with different set of opportunities which are influenced by a range of social determinants, such as education, housing, income and good social links which are often indicators to good health, wealth and social mobility

Sparkbrook is still one of the most economically deprived areas in the UK and falls within the most 1% deprived areas in the country. Moreover there continues to be a growing disparity from those living in inner-city deprivation compared to those living in affluent neighbourhoods, which can result in higher mortality rates for those living in poorer areas.

“Those who live in deprived communities, where there is under-investment in the social and physical infrastructure, experience poor health, resulting in higher mortality for those of lower socio-economic class” (Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 2003)

Generally, a person that has greater access to those resources will have more opportunities to perform better in life, live longer and are more likely to fulfil their potential. In contrast someone living in an area with a high percentage of unemployment, poor housing and lower income will experience greater barriers to succeed, higher rates of mortality and less likely to reach their full potential. According to the 2015 Marmot review; economic, health and education indicators represent the social determinants of health, health outcomes and social inequality.

Indicators linked to poor health are:

• Poverty
• Lack of Education
• Cultural barriers (language)
• Crime and anti-social behaviour
• Poor engagement and access
• Poor Housing
• Unemployment
• People on benefits
• Poor lifestyle
• Poor management in personal finances

FACT

some of the poorest wards life expectancy is 8 years shorter than the more affluent wards – therefore the less affluent the person, is the worse on average their health will be. Sparkbrook (45%) and Nechells (47%) have the highest rates of poverty across the UK and with the gap of rich and poor widening more children are set to become trapped in long term poverty and disadvantage.

“In a ‘collective resources model’, people in non-deprived areas have better health than people in deprived areas because there are more collective resources (including material and social resources, such as services, job opportunities, and social supports). The ability of wealthier, more powerful individuals to attract high quality amenities and services enhances the area for all residents” Oxford University Journal Review

Sparkbrook has poor housing conditions with significant levels of overcrowding and high rates of poverty. Birmingham has the highest levels of unemployment of any major city in England and Sparkbrook (having the highest young population across Birmingham) and is one of the wards with the highest figures (6.7%, March 2017). This greatly affects young people and perpetuates the cycle of child poverty which is highest in Sparkbrook.

Ashiana Community Project supports people living in the Sparkbrook area. We understand their needs and work collaboratively with our community to ensure everyone understands the part they play in helping to build resilience, opportunity and personal growth.