ABSTRACT
This chapter tries to take stock of the current state of play in respect of community engagement and health with particular reference to the UK. It looks at the overall strategic framework and more importantly at the opportunities provided by the renewal of interest in public health. Using examples of good practice it also makes recommendations about the way forward. The evidence from spending patterns in current regeneration programmes such as New Deal for Communities and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund is that the lessons have been learnt and that greater amounts are now invested in revenue projects to improve the life and circumstances of local people. The best example of this is the lengthy document on Creating Healthier Communities: a resource pack for local partnerships published by the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit. This document clearly illustrates the change in direction with improvements in health and partnership with local communities seen as key elements of regeneration.
