One of the problems with the term “health inequalities” is that it can feel like wallpaper. It’s everywhere, all the time, and so easy to tune out. But for the people living with the effects, it’s anything but background noise. It’s the stuff of everyday life.
At Involve North East, we spend a lot of time talking to people who are on the wrong side of those inequalities. People who face multiple barriers to care. People whose stories never quite make it into the data. And the more you listen, the clearer it becomes: this isn’t just about access to services. It’s about power, trust, and whether people feel heard.
That’s why we don’t do drive-by consultations. We do deep, qualitative research. We ask open questions. We listen properly. And we do it in a way that lets people share their story on their terms.
Take our English for Health project, for example. It started with a simple insight: if you don’t speak English fluently, navigating the NHS can be confusing, stressful, and sometimes downright impossible. So we created something practical. A series of short animated videos, in plain English, that explain how healthcare works in the UK.
The first series covers GP access, pharmacies, mental health and emergency care. The second series focuses on maternity and postnatal support. Each video is supported by a downloadable workbook. You can find them all on our website under Resources for Patients.
This wasn’t just about information. It was about dignity. About building confidence. About giving people tools they can actually use. And judging by the feedback we’ve had so far, it’s working.
But here’s the thing: projects like this don’t come out of nowhere. They come from listening – really listening – to what people are telling us. Our approach is slow, deliberate, and relational. Because that’s how trust is built. And once you’ve built trust, you’re halfway to change.
We’re proud that our work has helped shape services, inform strategies, and brings over £14 million into the local health economy each year. But for us, it’s never been about the big numbers. It’s about the stories behind them. Because if you want to tackle inequality, you need to understand it first. And understanding takes time.
So yes, health inequality isn’t new. But if we keep listening, keep learning, and keep acting on what we hear, maybe the way we tackle it can be.
Want to know more?
You can watch the English for Health videos and download the workbooks. If you’d like to talk about how we can help you understand and support the communities you work with, get in touch at beinvolved@involvene.org.uk. We’d love to hear from you.
