Community Health Exchange (CHEX)
The CHEX network comprises 88 locally-led initiatives in low income areas that promote a wide range of activities and campaigns designed to tackle Scotland’s health inequalities. Community-led health organisations are supporting local people to develop solutions that address health and wider inequalities. Through activities – such as walking groups, cookery classes, support groups, complementary therapy sessions and training in ‘Health Issues in the Community’ – they create a range of opportunities to promote change towards positive health outcomes. Including;
•Health & Wellbeing: supporting mental health improvement, promotion of affordable and quality food, social interaction and the promotion of more active lifestyles
•Co-production: placing the skills and knowledge of local people on the same footing as professional ‘experts’ in the joint design of health, and other, public services
•Community Development: empowering individuals and supporting collective community action
•Social Capital: increased as people develop new skills, make new connections and establish new networks of support in their community