Suhaimi Mohamad (SAM)’s Post

➡️➡️Quoting from the authors: "Neighborhoods may contribute to health and well-being in several ways. First, neighborhoods come with a set of institutions. The number and quality of health care facilities directly affect health. Access to public transit may also affect people’s ability to access treatment and preventive care. Other neighborhood institutions, such as libraries and grocery stores, shape people’s ability to engage in healthy behaviors and enjoy social interaction. Second, neighborhoods’ physical characteristics, such as sidewalks, playgrounds, and environmental contaminants, affect safety and the ability to engage in health-promoting exercise. Neighborhoods come with a localized climate, with some neighborhoods offering cleaner air, more cooling tree canopies, and lower noise levels than others. Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Extreme heat can worsen chronic conditions and trigger heat-related illnesses, whereas excessive noise may interrupt sleep and heighten stress. Third, neighborhood social conditions, such as violence, can affect people’s physical and mental health. Exposure to violence can lead to long-term trauma, especially for children. Living in violent environments may also heighten stress, which may in turn exacerbate hypertension and other stress-related disorders; provoke unhealthy behaviors; and, over time, weaken immune systems. Collective efficacy (a community’s shared belief in its capacity to achieve change) and community power (the ability to take action needed to achieve community change) can create conditions that improve and sustain health. Finally, neighborhood-based social networks may help communicate information that is relevant to health (such as preventive care recommendations); transmit norms about health-related behaviors (such as smoking); and provide social support, which is critical to enhancing health."

Justifying Funding for High-Needs Individuals and Societal Contributions The debate over funding for individuals with high needs, especially those with learning disabilities, often centres on their ability to contribute to society. However, this discussion must extend beyond economic contributions to encompass ethical, social, and practical considerations. In this post, we'll delve into the importance of justifying funding for these individuals, highlighting their inherent value and the broader benefits to society. Ethical and Moral Considerations: 🌟 Inherent Value of Life: Every human life has inherent value, independent of economic contribution. Society must support its most vulnerable members, reflecting a commitment to human rights and dignity. 🤝 Social Contract: Supporting individuals with high needs is part of the social contract. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, is cared for and valued, promoting a humane and caring society. 😊 Quality of Life: The goal of support services is to provide a dignified quality of life, enabling individuals to participate in their communities and experience personal fulfilment and happiness. Practical and Societal Benefits: 👪 Family and Community Support: Adequate funding for high-needs individuals also supports families and communities, preventing caregiver burnout and promoting family stability. 💡 Economic Considerations: Investing in support services can reduce healthcare costs by preventing medical crises. These services also create jobs and stimulate local economies. 🌍 Social Cohesion and Inclusivity: Providing support fosters social cohesion and strengthens the social fabric. A society that values and supports all its members enhances its own humanity and integrity. Moving Forward: Policymakers and advocates must frame these services not as mere costs but as essential investments in societal well-being. By advocating for inclusive policies and shifting public perception, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to live a dignified and fulfilling life. This reflects our commitment to an equitable, compassionate, and inclusive society. #DisabilityFunding #InclusionMatters #HumanRights #SocialContract #QualityOfLife #SupportServices #CommunitySupport #EconomicInclusion #SocialCohesion #InclusiveSociety

Many assumptions are used when we talk about #AdvanceCarePlanning, too often assumptions are made about the presence of children or family members available step into a caring role. In this guest blog by Penny Shepherd find out why this is becoming an increasing challenge to society & what help and support is available to people who are ageing without children. 💻 bit.ly/3RrbXPZ

Youth Work a thought: 📣 Fantastic setting at the Food Museum to address the Youth Focus Conference on #iwill and Towns and Cities of Youth Social Action work and our drive led by young people at changing the power they have in communities. Such a great day with youth workers and youth organisations reaffirming the qualities of youth and community work and it's importance not only to individual young people but in place and community building. Much frustration in the room on being reduced to hitting outcomes or agendas set by legislators, that not only divert resource away from the core value and worth of youth work, but that also require organisations to evidence their value through narrow lens such as reducing youth violence or improving mental health. Youth and Community work, has seemingly lost the community over the last ten years and is now most often referred to as simply youth work. It now runs the risk of also losing the youth work to a focus on 'tangible' issues such as youth violence, mental health and so on. Which, is lamentable, as youth work is about relationships. Relationships builds community. Communities build social mobility. We need to get back to understanding that youth work is fundamental irrespective of the end game a legislator might tell you is currently important. Back it, value it, support it, fund it. And on a recurring basis, not just on a timebound whim. Massive thanks to Simon Doling Clare Lamb for the invite!

How can a community thrive when opportunities remain out of reach for most of its people? Economic inequality is one of the most pressing challenges faced by underserved communities, where the gap between the wealthy and the less privileged is ever widening. The consequences are devastating, families struggle to meet basic needs, children grow up without access to quality education, and healthcare is seen as a luxury rather than a right. These disparities deepen cycles of poverty and marginalization, limiting the potential of entire generations. Yet, hope remains. To reinstate balance, we must focus on empowering these communities through practical steps like investing in education, increasing the access to healthcare, creating more economic opportunities and lots more. By taking intentional actions, we can foster an environment where all communities have the opportunity to thrive. The journey to reduce economic inequality is long, but with intentional and sustained efforts, we can move towards a more just and balanced society.

From education and mental health to early childhood, aged care and more, many public service ideas shown to work are not reaching everyone who could benefit. Numerous innovations are rigorously trialled each year, and many show promise. But effective models almost never make the leap to widespread impact. While there are pockets of excellence, lasting systemic change – at a scale that can improve population-level outcomes – remains elusive. A new article, authored by leaders at CEI and published in the global magazine Governance Matters, unpacks the nuances of scaling up effective policy innovations: https://lnkd.in/gxBP_bkh The authors investigate why it is so difficult to bring effective new practices and programs to greater numbers and diversity of people. And they ask: What can governments do to nurture an ecosystem for scale-up, so more people can benefit more quickly? Read the full article by Jane Lewis, Dr Robyn Mildon, Mary Abdo and Dr Cheryl Seah published in Chandler Institute of Governance's Governance Matters: https://lnkd.in/gxBP_bkh #scaling #scaleup #evidence #EvidenceBased #healthcare #SocialCare #education #policymakers #government #practitioners #researchers #evaluation #evaluators #changemakers #SocialService #EarlyChildhood #EarlyYears #ChildWelfare #Implementation #ImplementationScience #MentalHealth #PublicHealth #policy #SystemChange #inequality #leadership #innovation

Why aren’t we scaling up ‘what works’ as quickly as we would like to reach more beneficiaries? Is it true that all stars need to be aligned for that to happen? Let us tell you more in this article, and share your thoughts with us!

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the groundbreaking Commission on Social Connection, recognizing loneliness as a critical health concern. 🌟 This commission aims to prioritize social connection and expedite the implementation of solutions in countries of all incomes. 🌐 Loneliness affects millions worldwide, impacting mental and physical well-being. By addressing this pressing health threat, the WHO is taking a significant step towards creating a more connected and supportive global community. 🌍🤗 At StudentsCare, we understand the power of human connection and the positive impact it can have on individuals' lives. Through our initiatives, we strive to combat loneliness, especially among pediatric patients and older adults, by fostering meaningful relationships. 💙 We applaud the WHO for their commitment to tackle loneliness head-on and promote social connection as a vital priority. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where no one feels alone. 🌎🤝 #SocialConnectionMatters #TogetherWeAreStronger #StudentsCare https://lnkd.in/eRxiivwJ

My colleagues at CEI have authored this very readable article unpacking why #evidencebased social innovations that could benefit millions very often fail to achieve widespread impact. The many challenges of #scaling, they note, must be overcome, and the article details how #policymakers and government #leaders can help. Chandler Institute of Governance #ImplementationScience #WhatWorks #policy #government #inequality #equity #changemakers

Empathy is at the core of giving medical service. It is slowly and steadily ebbing from our society. We need to recapture the essence of this virtue to build a sustainable and compassionate society: #RadiantPharmaceuticalsLimited #Society #Sustaibable #Compassionate https://lnkd.in/gAnU5CK5