RCT HDRC works to help the Council to use a range of evidence and information to make decisions that benefit RCT residents.
What is a HDRC (Health Determinants Research Collaboration)?
Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) help to boost research capacity and capability within local government. They aim to embed a culture in Councils of always using evidence when making decisions.
HDRCs use research findings to understand how decisions impact on health and health inequalities. They also look to find funding to carry out research where evidence isn't already available. Factors that can impact somebody's health are called 'health determinants' and you can find out more information, or test your knowledge on health determinants here: What are health determinants
The NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Rhondda Cynon Taf is part of the NIHR and hosted by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.
This short video from our funder, the NIHR, is useful to understand what research is and why it matters.
You can find more information on HDRC's here: Health determinants research collaborations | NIHR
What is RCT HDRC?
£5 million has been awarded to Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (2023) by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to create Rhondda Cynon Taf Health Determinants Research Collaboration (RCT HDRC). The aim is to create a vibrant research culture within the Local Authority that drives evidence-based decision-making to break the cycle of poverty, improve the life chances of the most disadvantaged, and address the wider determinants of health. This is:
- A new way of working for the Council.
- A way of sharing what we do in RCT and learning from others.
- A once in a generation opportunity to make a real and sustainable change to the way in which public services are delivered.
RCT HDRC is a powerful partnership, responding to the needs of people and communities in RCT. Our partners include:
- Citizens that live, work, study or play in RCT.
- Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
- Interlink RCT (County Voluntary Council).
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
- Public Health Wales.
- Our research community at Cardiff University
How long will the RCT HDRC project run?
The RCT HDRC is planned to run for five years, January 2024 - December 2028.
How can RCT CBC affect the impact of Health Determinants?
Things like money, housing, education, and access to services have a big impact on our health—not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. A lot of health problems are linked to adverse situations, like living in poverty or poor housing. These social factors, like how much people earn or whether they can get medical help, affect how healthy people are and even how long they live. Because everyone has different life experiences, health determinants can vary a lot—even between places that are just a few streets apart. That’s why every part of the local council can help improve people’s health by tackling these deeper issues. This short video from our funder, the NIHR, explains why health determinants are the Council’s business.