Civil society organisations

Some of the most flourishing health promotion initiatives are run by organisations within ‘civil society’. For example, village halls throughout the UK hold classes dedicated to maintaining and improving people's health. These might include pilates, yoga, dance, tai chi and Zumba (a system of exercises performed to Latin American and other forms of music). Badminton and tennis clubs meet in schools and other community venues. Local football, rugby and hockey clubs abound, and local authorities (LAs) provide leisure centres where residents can participate in a range of physical pursuits such as swimming, weight training and fitness. While a token attendance or membership fee is usually payable to take part in such activities, these are not-for- profit organisations. Outside these community enterprises are commercial ventures that nevertheless contribute to health promotion, such as gyms, golf clubs and slimming ventures, although their membership fees might preclude those on low incomes from joining.

In addition, as representatives of civil society, many charities have one or more of the three potential components of health promotion strategies as their primary aim. For example, as noted in Chapter Six, mental health charities mostly help people to cope with their condition and to progress towards a release from suffering without resorting to clinical treatments. Third-sector organisations are also active in supporting drug and alcohol abusers towards rehabilitation, while numerous charities focus on fundraising activities to finance research or practical assistance for people afflicted with specific physical diseases, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart conditions and diabetes. These organisations bear witness to the oft-quoted assertion that health promotion relies on a multisectoral approach, which in effect is a combination – if not necessarily a partnership – between government, business and civil society.

Homelessness

UK health survey reports make scant reference to the health and health needs of homeless persons. Although discussion of the health impact of people living in ‘poverty’ features in reports, scholarly articles and books on health promotion, homeless people are not mentioned. However, those third-sector organisations that raise funds to help support homeless people – such as The Big Issue, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and HomelessLink – clearly recognise the relatively poor health conditions of people sleeping rough, living temporarily in homeless shelters or ‘sofa surfing’.