Health & housing partnership

Working together to improve the health and wellbeing of the residents of public housing in south west Sydney is the shared vision that has led to a Partnership Agreement between the Greater Western Sydney Division (GWSD) of Housing NSW, SSWAHS Population Health and the Centre for Health Equity Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE).

The aim is that we will work together to improve the health and wellbeing of people in social housing communities of south west Sydney.

It is expected that the partnership will encourage health and wellbeing considerations to be incorporated into decision-making at Housing NSW and also that staff of the agencies will have senior management commitment to support them in working together in communities.

A steering committee was established following a joint workshop between the partners in August 2007. The role of the steering committee is to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate the goals and objectives of the partnership.

Partnership Steering Committee

What we are doing
There are many opportunities for Population Health, GWSD of Housing NSW and CHETRE to work together such as providing input into planning and renewal strategies; consultations on draft plans; input and advice into research and policies; and building capacity within the organisations for promoting health.

In 2007 Population Health commissioned a literature review to provide information regarding the most effective interventions for disadvantaged communities. Literature review 2007

In 2008 Housing NSW provided funding to Population Health to conduct a baseline study regarding the health impacts of an urban regeneration program in Rosemeadow. This baseline "before" study was undertaken before the regeneration works commenced and will be followed by two "after" studies, three and twelve months after the completion of the works. Baseline study 2010

In 2009 we developed the Partnership Agreement and a corresponding implementation plan, and mapped opportunities for working together.

Also in 2009, we supported Landcom to develop an Integrated Social Sustainability and Health Impact Assessment and Plan for the Airds/Bradbury Renewal Project.

In December 2009 we held a Health and Housing Showcase which was attended by more than 50 staff from Housing NSW, SSWAHS, local councils and other government departments. The Partnership Agreement was formally signed and joint projects were presented, including the evaluation of urban renewal developments in Rosemeadow, and the assessment of the social and health impacts of redevelopment plans for Airds/Bradbury.

Signing of the Partnership agreement

Seniors Living Project
In 2007, The Housing and Health Partnership was formed between the former Sydney South West Area Health Service, the South Western Sydney Area, Greater Western Sydney Division Housing NSW and the Centre for Health Equity, Training, Research and Evaluation (CHETRE).

The aim of the partnership is to work together to improve the health and well-being of some of the most disadvantaged people who have the poorest health in Sydney South West.

A partnership working group with members from Human Services agencies conducted a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the Seniors Living precincts being built across four Housing NSW estates in the Campbelltown LGA which are undergoing significant renewal and regeneration.

The HIA Report contains a set of recommendations and strategies designed to mitigate negative and support positive impacts on the health and well-being of residents living in these precincts. The strategies are being implemented by Junctionworks, a local NGO. Evaluation and monitoring of the project is underway.

Evaluation
In the implementation plan we have included performance indicators to measure the expected benefits and outcomes of the partnership. The partnership will also be reviewed by:

Annual reflection and review of the partnership
A mid-point review to prioritise future actions
Regular monitoring and reporting through the Housing and Health Steering Committee.

Partners and funding
SSWAHS Population Health , GWSD of Housing NSW and CHETRE.

More information
Contact Mark Thornell on 9828 5763 or Mark.Thornell@sswahs.nsw.gov.au