Just like an ecosystem our our health and wellbeing is crucial to the functioning of a resilient economy and overall prosperity of our local communities. As philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson said “The first wealth is health.”

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In the 21st century economists have started to join the dots between the human biological system and our ability to take part in and be productive in the financial aspects of our economic systems. And now the Covid - 19 situation has made it abundantly clear how much we need healthy people with the ability to tend to the ill, tend to the land, and feed the population. And for most people being in work means is the difference between paying their rent or mortgage, or sleeping on the street. As historian Thomas Fuller put it, “Health is not valued till sickness comes” . And the consequences of the pandemic reinforces what we already know. We can’t keep people healthy if they don’t have a roof over their head and food on the table

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And just like a kitchen, if you don't maintain it, and keep it hygienic, your health and wellbeing can deteriorate into something that cannot function efficiently, where even carrying out the simplest essential task like feeding yourself or your family becomes problematic. 

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With so many experiencing the impacts of poverty such as having to use foodbanks just to feed their children, and evictions on the rise (most of us know that moving home is one of the most stressful times of our lives) we know that something must be done to address the quality of jobs and work, the environment we live in, and the services that we can access. We owe it to ourselves, our communities to rethink our economy through the lenses of health and wellbeing. And not a moment too soon. Because like with the Covid-19 crisis, with the likes of global risks reports, and national independent and government assessment warnings of the high probability of a health pandemic and that we should prepare for the worst, whilst addressing the root causes, we did to little too late. The good news is that with small changes can make a huge difference to peoples lives.

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This section contains inspiring resources from entrepreneurs, experts and creatives and about ways to build an economic system that supports health and wellbeing. The ideas and models below can help us build an economic system that can ensure resilient and regenerative communities in Devon and beyond fit for the 21st century. These resources would suit health and social care workers, (including new entrants to the sector), policy makers, business and social enterprise and workers cooperative leaders, local authorities, food campaigners, community groups and individuals looking for ideas, inspiration and expertise to grow a new economy for Devon.

 

This is just the start of this section of our knowledge hub. It will grow over the coming weeks and months.