2012-25
From Old Moat to the Ageing in Place Pathfinder
Spatial action planning

The Ageing in Place Pathfinder is producing the most recent iteration of the implementation of co-produced neighbourhood action planning developed across a series of age friendly city and community projects. Beginning with Old Moat in 2012 we tested an approach to local planning in response to complexity theory analysis of place based transformative community development and theories of  the structural and social determinants of health as exemplified in WHO and UN models. The processes first prototyped in Old Moat sought to meaningfully synthesis population data with physical environment and lived experience to make explicit the physical and social determination of the context and provide a participation mechanism for community participation and empowerment and intersectional action. The analysis addresses the WHO underpinning ‘Diderichsen’ model of the structural and social determinants of health through 1. Targeting ‘disadvantaged’ neighbourhoods. 2. Understanding ‘exposure’ and access to resources 3. Identifying ‘vulnerable’ groups. 4. Addressing social ‘consequences’ through strengthening community action.

This approach has been tested in different implementation contexts (city centre / district centre / multiple neighbourhoods with different geography and demography) and has been ‘scaled’ using Geographical Information Systems to enable GM and Local Authority planning teams to generate  base maps, statistical analysis and templates for interpersonal research independently with local community stakeholders and residents.