When I founded the Centre for Homelessness Impact in 2018, I was driven by a profound belief that robust evidence is essential for effective policy-making, coupled with the urgent stories of individuals like Sarah, a single mother whose health deteriorated while living in temporary accommodation. Her experience powerfully illustrates the intricate connection between health and housing stability—one that demands our immediate attention.

From the outset, I drew significant inspiration from the health sector, where a steadfast commitment to rigorous evidence has yielded remarkable outcomes over decades. However, it is sobering to acknowledge, as highlighted by The Lancet, that a 17-year gap persists between the generation of sound evidence and its practical application in healthcare. This delay becomes even more pronounced in the realm of social determinants of health, such as stable housing and nurturing relationships—factors that remain critical yet often overlooked in policy discussions.

This stark reality underscores the complexities we face in translating knowledge into practice. Change will not occur spontaneously; we must be adept at evidencing potential solutions just as we are at evidencing problems. Enhancing the quality and relevance of the evidence available to policymakers and practitioners is paramount. While mechanisms are crucial, the infrastructure for effective evidence translation is frequently missing or underdeveloped in local areas.

Recognising this gap, we at the Centre set out to create evidence and gap maps that compile the best available information on effective interventions. We have urged governments across the UK to establish clear definitions of their commitments to end homelessness and rough sleeping, alongside metrics for accountability. Along the way, we have learned that building local systems to facilitate better collaboration at regional levels is vital for accelerating our efforts. This is why we are excited to partner with London Councils and the Mayor of London on new initiatives designed to enhance these systems.

As we look for inspiration in our work, it is clear that addressing the social determinants of health will be pivotal in ending homelessness for good. This is where innovative initiatives like the Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) and Marmot places play a crucial role. These collaborations create structured environments for sharing data and insights, enabling local stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the best available evidence.

They serve as essential mechanisms for addressing barriers to knowledge translation, actively advancing the agenda for health equity in the UK. Our ambition is to ensure that housing security and nurturing relationships become more prominent in health discussions as critical elements in preventing homelessness. 

In pursuit of this goal, I attended the inaugural HDRC conference in Aberdeen this week, which left me feeling invigorated and hopeful. Just a couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Leeds, where I learned about its recent designation as a Marmot city. Together with cities and regions like Coventry, Cheshire & Merseyside, and Gwent, Leeds is steadfastly embedding equity into the core of its policies—from housing and employment to early years support.

The HDRC in Aberdeen, supported by the National Institute for Health & Care Research, embodies this vision with its collaborative, research-driven approach. It’s a powerful partnership uniting Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian, Robert Gordon University, and the University of Aberdeen, all focused on building a robust data-sharing and evaluation infrastructure. Together, they are creating pathways for evidence-informed policymaking that directly impact the health determinants of their communities. This model benefits everyone involved, as academics gain insights from real-world data, while councils receive targeted, research-backed recommendations for policy and programme development to improve the lives of their residents.

During the conference, themed “Learning Together 4 Better Lives,” I was inspired by the diverse voices gathered—local experts, elected officials, and leaders from various sectors—all engaged in vital discussions on early years, social determinants of health, and community engagement. Keynote speeches from Professors Eugenio Proto and Katherine Smith highlighted how behavioural economics and public health research can transform local interventions, illustrating practical ways that councils can leverage research insights to foster healthier communities.

At the Centre for Homelessness Impact, we witness the power of data-driven approaches daily. Our Value for Money Programme with Edinburgh City Council exemplifies how research-driven insights can bring clarity and focus to councils grappling with immense pressure. Much like the HDRCs and Marmot cities, we are dedicated to translating research into tangible action, concentrating on what truly works and offering pathways for continuous improvement. This shared mission to embrace the ‘what works’ philosophy connects these initiatives with our work at the Centre and other members of the What Works Network, serving as a robust framework for translating evidence into measurable improvements in social determinants of health.

The insights gained from the Aberdeen conference reinforced a vital truth: investing in a robust knowledge translation infrastructure is essential for creating lasting impact. At the Centre for Homelessness Impact, we understand that addressing housing insecurity is at the heart of tackling the social determinants of health. Initiatives like the HDRC and Marmot cities and regions are pivotal in cultivating equitable, thriving communities, ensuring that every policy decision contributes to a healthier and thriving society—not just for today, but for generations to come. As we look ahead, I see immense potential in aligning our efforts on the priority areas discussed, from asylum to early years support. By joining forces, we can strengthen our collective impact and create a more integrated approach to social equity and health, transforming research insights into meaningful actions that benefit everyone.

• Lígia Teixeira is Chief Executive of the Centre for Homelessness Impact