The research, published this month in Social Science & Medicine, is the first comprehensive economic evaluation of CLO-based health programmes across the UK.

Dr Karen Galway, Deputy Director of Queen’s University Belfast’s Innovation Zones and senior researcher within the Common Health Assets team, played a central role in leading the Northern Ireland contribution.

The findings show that participation in community-driven health and wellbeing activity leads to improvements in quality of life, reduced isolation and stronger social connections, all of which translate into measurable economic benefits. The evaluation provides robust evidence supporting investment in non-clinical, community-based approaches to improving population health, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

The study demonstrates the real and often underestimated value of grassroots organisations. These groups are embedded in their communities, they know what people need, and they deliver support that improves wellbeing in ways traditional services can’t always reach.

The Innovation Zones team continues to work with partners through the Common Health Assets project, strengthening the evidence base for community-led health and informing future policy, practice and funding decisions.

Full article available here