The CHES programme, a two-year partnership led by Public Health Scotland and Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s Institute for Health Equity, launched in February 2025. It aims to accelerate actions to reduce health inequities for residents in North Ayrshire, Aberdeen City, and South Lanarkshire.
Locally, North Ayrshire is implementing three key workstreams under the 'Good North Ayrshire' banner: 'Good Start', focusing on early life interventions in Irvine's Fullarton, Castlepark, and Bourtreehill areas; 'Good Jobs', concentrating on fair employment and skills development in Saltcoats Central, Ardrossan Central, and Stevenston Hayocks neighbourhoods; and 'Good Health', aimed at strengthening ill-health prevention within the Garnock Valley, including improving access to affordable healthy food and wellbeing services.
These initiatives are overseen by the North Ayrshire Integration Joint Board and the Community Planning Partnership Board, involving public organisations, the Council, Third Sector groups, and the NHS. Early feedback from a recent Cabinet report indicates positive impacts from hyper-local actions and data-driven decision-making.
Key findings highlight over 200 family responses shaping future support services in Irvine, exploration of a 'Good Jobs' charter with local employers, stronger connections between GP practices and employability services, and improved access to preventative health services, including cardiovascular screening.
“"It is encouraging to see early signs of positivity from the three workstreams and I would like to thank all of the staff and community partners involved for their efforts. A combination of prevention, early intervention and the use of local data will, hopefully, lead to improved outcomes for our residents for years to come. Health inequalities are avoidable differences that can have a profound impact on all aspects of someone’s life – from their job prospects to their mental health – and I am pleased that our CHES work is examining meaningful ways to change this."
A national report from the Institute of Health Equity, published on 13 October, recognised North Ayrshire as an example of innovative practice in reducing health inequalities. The collaboration has also facilitated additional investment, expertise, and partnership opportunities, including support for the Place Standard Toolkit Food Pilot in the Garnock Valley and Nesta system mapping in Irvine.
Looking ahead, the local CHES Steering Group will consider how this work can inform broader discussions on Public Service Reform. The CHES initiatives align with the Council’s Wellbeing Priority, aiming to enhance prosperity, resilience, and wellbeing for residents. Cabinet has endorsed the approach of focusing on early intervention and prevention to improve residents' lives.
