Initial findings

Literature showed that the notion of Living Well had been well received in medical domains and philosophical framings of society and social functions. However, it was through the engagement with experts that the concept of Living Well now in Britain came to life, taking on multiple meanings, across social, economic and wellbeing domains, whilst intersecting with critical local and national issues and challenges. 

The Inquiry has demonstrated the scale and scope of research at 含羞草视频 that spans across health and wellbeing, climate change, dignity, social policy, innovation, technology and design, business, creative arts and culture and equality, diversity and inclusion. Importantly for this inquiry, expert insights and research centres have shared the alignment that their work has to improving the lives of communities, local institutions and individuals in Britain. 

The Living Well System

One thing that became apparent from the beginning of the inquiry was that the pillars of Living Well are part of a system, meaning that you need all the pillars to live well, and these cannot and should not be considered siloed, linear or hierarchical. For example, a young person who benefits from healthy school meals and health related education cannot live well if the level of pollution in their communities cause asthma and illness.

In order to respond to the government missions, the Living Well inquiry shows the need for system led/joined up thinking. Central to the Living Well system of dignity, health and wellbeing, climate and clean living, technology and smart realities, and culture, art and creativity, which are contained within the pillars, are the innovative approaches that researchers adopted to create new knowledge and positively impact communities and national initiatives. The inquiry recognised the need for three overarching and integrated levers that provided the value based/holistic approach to Living Well. 

Levers of Living Well

Overwhelming researchers and established expert groups adopted three distinct features in which their work was designed, conducted and positioned.

Firstly, research and expertise was most often designed to be collaborative with local partners, community groups and or local institutions. The concept of localism was significant across all parts and functions of the Living Well system demonstrating that a degree of contextual intelligence is required for impact and policymaking. Secondly, creative methods and leaning into culture, arts and creativity was distinctly described as an important aspect of conducting research and as a viable approach to creating positive social change across the system. Thirdly, prevention was positioned as a key entry point into critical social issues across the system.

The relationship between Living Well and prevention is considered essential in order to reduce social, economic, health and environmental catastrophise and hardships.