New perspectives on health

Glasgow and West Central Scotland present us with a puzzle: while there have been significant changes over the past fifty years, health and well being persistently and stubbornly refuse to improve to at least the levels of other similar places. Despite the best efforts of many concerned and committed people, and in spite of the marvellous potential of the area and its people, its improvement dawdles behind the curve.  This suggests that what we already know how to do, and the ideas, perspectives and premises upon which it is based are not what needs to be done.   Add to this the observation that the global context in which Glasgow must flourish is so rapidly changing, complex and uncertain that it amounts to a change of age, rather than simply an age of change and the need for new perspectives is clear.

This dimension of the centre’s work aims to understand better how the context in which we seek to improve wellbeing is changing, how others are approaching this and how we might factor this more fully into all the work which we undertake.

For each programme this includes:

• new approaches within existing frameworks, ideas and perspectives and how we can help to improve these;
• the development of new frameworks, alternative approaches and mindsets for the city;
• and innovations in all walks of city life which will help us to move towards a future based on perspectives, policies and programmes which ensure improved wellbeing for all.