Health Determinants Research Collaboration

In some parts of Somerset, some people live up to ten years less than others. Differences in health and life expectancy aren’t just about personal choices – they’re influenced by what we call ‘the building blocks of health’.  

Things like housing, food, education, employment, transport, feeling safe in our community and connected with the people in it all contribute towards a healthy life in Somerset.

Read more about the Building Blocks of Health here.

What is the HDRC? 

Somerset’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) is led by Somerset Council and delivered in a partnership with Spark Somerset and the University of the West of England (UWE).  

Funded by the  National Institute for Health and Care Research, it’s a five year programme aiming to reduce health inequalities across Somerset by building the Council’s capacity to carry out research with communities – learning together along the way.

Read more about Somerset’s HDRC here. 

How the VCFSE sector fits in: 

Voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people in Somerset. You’re on the ground every day – listening, learning and hearing what’s really going on in people’s lives

In doing so, you’re also gathering valuable insights. Whether it’s collecting feedback, capturing stories, writing impact reports, testing new ideas, or having honest conversations about what works (and what doesn’t), these everyday activities help build a clearer picture of life across Somerset’s communities. 

The HDRC aims to recognise, connect and strengthen this kind of community participation and insight. By working in partnership with local organisations, we can learn together, share what we’re finding out, support new projects, and make sure community voices play a central role in shaping research and decisions that affect our lives.

Breaking Barriers 

The Breaking Barriers study is an example of this approach. Carried out between November 2024 and July 2025, it explored what helps or makes it harder for people living with a disability and/or long-term health condition find or stay in employment.

Spark Somerset was part of the team that designed and delivered the project using an innovative community participatory approach. This included creating Community Organisation Advisory Partnership, a Lived Experience Advisory Partnership and 13 community co-research organisations. This new way of working resulted in conversations with over 80 people across Somerset, and helped to ensure the findings and recommendations reflect real experiences. 

Read the Breaking Barriers report here.

Funding available to get involved

The HDRC offers a Community Grant Fund to help local organisations with projects that strengthen the building blocks of health. It’s open to groups across Somerset with the next round of themed calls being announced in the spring. Sign up to our newsletter and we’ll let you know when applications re-open.