Skip to main content

Table 2 Key health and social needs identified by informants at the second appraisal

From: Using consecutive Rapid Participatory Appraisal studies to assess, facilitate and evaluate health and social change in community settings

• Environment- Dampness, poor lighting, and unsealed window frames remain key housing concerns. Residents feel 'ashamed' of the condition of their houses, blaming the council for years of neglect. There remains a paucity of affordable local shops. The hills and numerous steps in the estate remain a prominent complaint. Rubbish and dog litter are reported less. Violence was thought no more prominent than elsewhere, although people were still fearful at night.

• Socio-economic factors- The economic outlook has improved little, with many, particularly young families and the elderly, being most in need. Unemployment remains high, though more residents are now owner-occupiers.

• Health and social services- Access to care has worsened: the move of the local city centre hospital to the outskirts was bemoaned and local chiropody and social work nursery provision has been closed. Community based initiatives are well used and appreciated, but awareness of non-local health and social services remains poor.