Guides/Factsheets/Toolkits Social Determinants of Health

What Makes Us Healthy?: an introduction to the social determinants of health

Published On: 27th March 2018

By: The Health Foundation

Natalie Lovell and Jo Bibby’s guide explains that health is largely shaped by social, economic and environmental conditions rather than healthcare alone. It highlights that tackling these wider determinants through collective action can reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for whole communities.

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Policy and Influencing

Social Prescribing Social Connection and Belonging

Published on: 29th July 2021

HSE Social Prescribing Framework: mainstreaming social prescribing with community and voluntary organisations

This framework has been developed to support the development of social prescribing within the Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland and sets out a common approach for its delivery across the organisation. It outlines the key elements of social prescribing services and provides guidance for how the HSE can work in partnership with the community and voluntary sector in order to best meet the needs of service users. Tailored guidance is offered for a range of HSE services, highlighting the roles everyone plays in realising a collective approach.

Policy and Influencing

Population Health Health and Wellbeing

Published on: 25th March 2026

Health Inequalities Annual Report 2026

The Department of Health's Annual Report for 2026 on the health inequality gaps between the most well off and least well deprived areas of Northern Ireland, and within Health and Social Care Trust and Local Government District areas. Data on eight health related indicators are presented: hospital activity, diet and dental health, pregnancy and early years, alcohol, drugs and smoking, mental health and wellbeing, premature mortality, life expectancy and general health, major diseases and conditions.

Research

Published on: 1st September 2025

The Cost of a Healthy Food Basket in Northern Ireland 2014-2024 (Full report)

Report on the cost of a healthy food basket in Northern Ireland in 2024. The research compared the cost of a healthy food basket as a proportion of a take-home income for household types in Northern Ireland: two parents and three children (pre, primary and secondary school), two parents and two children (pre-school and primary school), one parent and two children (pre-school and primary school) and a pensioner living alone.

Policy and Influencing

Social Prescribing Social Connection and Belonging

Published on: 29th July 2021

HSE Social Prescribing Framework: mainstreaming social prescribing with community and voluntary organisations

Policy and Influencing

Population Health Health and Wellbeing

Published on: 25th March 2026

Health Inequalities Annual Report 2026

Research

Published on: 1st September 2025

The Cost of a Healthy Food Basket in Northern Ireland 2014-2024 (Full report)

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