THE Health Foundation has appointed Paul McDonald as Chief Campaigns Officer to lead Health Equals, a coalition of 28 organisations campaigning to tackle health inequalities.
The coalition will launch its national campaign later this month and call on policymakers to take action to tackle inequality across the UK because in the UK, where you are born can cut your life short by up to 16 years.
Paul joined earlier this year, after eight years at Samaritans as Executive Director of External Affairs.
With over 20 years of experience in the charity sector, Paul’s previous roles have included Director of Communications at Action for Children. He has led multi-award-winning campaigns including Small Talk Saves Lives and Real People, Real Stories.
Paul said:
“I’m excited to have joined the Health Foundation to lead Health Equals in addressing the life-or-death issue of health inequality. In the UK, people who live in our poorest neighbourhoods are dying a decade earlier than people in the wealthiest areas and evidence shows that these health inequalities are getting worse.
“Our health is shaped by the world around us – our jobs, our homes, the money in our pockets and the neighbourhoods we live in. Improving our health and life expectancy is fundamentally reliant on these building blocks; that’s why Health Equals brings together organisations and voices across different sectors who all want to make a positive difference in society’s health and well-being.
“By leading a new conversation about what shapes our health and how we can tackle existing inequalities, I look forward to calling on the government to take action that strengthens the cornerstones of the UK’s health.”
Jo Bibby, Director of Health at the Health Foundation, who fund Health Equals, added:
“Paul brings a wealth of experience having led many successful cross-sector campaigns such as the multi-award-winning Small Talk Saves Lives from Samaritans and the rail industry, as well as working with partners to deliver successful campaigns such as the NHS’ Every Mind Matters and Our Frontline supporting key workers during the pandemic.
“His commitment to tackling inequality, passion and expertise will be invaluable as we continue on our mission to ensure that everyone in the UK has the same opportunity for health and wellbeing. I know I speak on behalf of the membership when I say we are all excited to work with Paul to drive forward this mission.”