Health and wellbeing

Research to improve development in early childhood has transformed the Early Childhood Development policy of the Peruvian Government, set to reach 135,000 children by 2016.

Professor Helen Ball provided important input to the Infant Sleep Information Source project and contributed to the re-evaluation of guidance to parents, clinical and public health policy.

Research on the procurement of school food has inspired the reform of public policy at national and local levels in England, Scotland and Wales.

Mental illness has huge cost implications for society and the NHS in terms of lost work days and healthcare. There is a need for more interventions and policies that promote social relationships and psychological wellbeing.

Data from the ESRC-funded UK Data Service were used in a policy model which underpinned the Scottish Bill on minimum pricing of alcohol.

Findings about the levels of bullying of disabled people in the workplace have led to changes in policy, promoting equality and improving workplace environments.

ESRC-funded research provided Cornwall Council with effective training tools for social care staff - improving adult care and leading to yearly cost savings of £80,000.

ECHOES, a virtual learning environment developed by ESRC-funded researchers, has improved autistic children's engagement and communication, and changed teaching practice in several UK schools.

Ofcom has introduced regulations banning the advertising of foods which are high in fat, salt and sugar during children’s TV programming. However, the ban did not lead to any reduction in the proportion of ads for unhealthy food seen by children.

A self-help training programme for insomnia sufferers, developed by researchers, has been adopted and rolled out by NHS across the UK.