Health professionals, service-users, public advisers, policy makers and academics convened at The Women’s Organisation to discuss the policy and practice implications of Liverpool Citizens Advice on Prescription (LCAP) programme for population health at a Summit Workshop on Tuesday, 26th March.

Delegates focused on one of today’s most important public health challenges, the growing numbers of people experiencing mental and physical illness exacerbated by inadequate income and stressful living conditions.

The event aimed to reflect on significant findings and forge recommendations emerging from a comprehensive evaluation of Citizens Advice Liverpool.

Ben Barr, Professor in Public Health and ARC NWC Improving Population Health theme lead said, “Families are facing increasing financial strain leading to worsening mental health. Our evidence shows that local initiatives such as this, can help mitigate this, improving wellbeing and reducing the pressure on the NHS”.

Rachel Anderson de Cuevas, Research Associate in Public Health and part of the Ways to Wellbeing Team, expressed her enthusiasm for the Summit, stating, “This workshop is an invaluable opportunity to delve into the nuanced impact of LCAP on our community’s health landscape. The collaborative efforts of our partners and the service users have allowed us to gather comprehensive data and insights, enabling us to develop informed recommendations for policy and practice.”

The evaluation sought to assess the effectiveness of LCAP in improving the social determinants of health. Aiming to tackle some of the root causes of poor physical and mental health, LCAP provides rapid access to social welfare advice and wellbeing activities to those most vulnerable, via referral from health and care services.

Clare Mahoney, Complex Lives Programme Lead of Liverpool Place, Cheshire and Merseyside ICB said, “Hugely enjoyable event. It was great to see the learning from the research and evaluation presented so powerfully and clearly, and to see so many colleagues in attendance. The findings are important and hopefully will be shared widely.

We can now say with confidence that the health system can do much to support patients experiencing hardship related to deprivation – and that in doing so, there are real benefits for the health system as well as for patients and families themselves.”

The Summit presented compelling evidence of LCAP’s positive impact on patient health outcomes and healthcare usage. Analysis of linked Citizens Advice and NHS data demonstrated improvements in patient self-reported health, reduced antidepressant prescribing, and a decrease in A&E attendance. A health economics analysis, based on wellbeing outcomes (measured using SWEMWBS) indicated a positive social return on investment.

As the workshop drew to a close, attendees expressed their commitment to furthering the reach and impact of LCAP within the community. With its evidence-based approach and collaborative ethos, the summit showcased the transformative journey towards building healthier, more resilient communities.

For further information on the Liverpool Citizens Advice on Prescription initiative and its ongoing research efforts, please visit the dedicated webpage on Evaluating the health impact and cost-effectiveness of Advice on Prescription.