The Alliance

The social determinants of health are the major contributor to the diabetes epidemic in western Sydney. Social, economic and environmental factors have resulted in a fragmented community where many residents struggle to access healthy food and lack the skills to prepare nutritious meals.

Many are unable to have access to suitable forms of exercise or experience barriers in taking advantage of existing facilities.

In addition, due to the urban layout of the western suburbs, there is a high reliance on car transport resulting in low rates of walking and limited participation in active travel.

An additional layer of complexity is added when social isolation due to economic, social, age or ethnicity prevents segments of the population from engaging in health education and healthy living opportunities. It is essential that all segments of the community come together to address this problem and improve the living environment of western Sydney.

The role of the Alliance is centred on:

• Providing information and updates on the diabetes crisis in western Sydney
• Creating integration amongst diverse organisations through providing networking, collaboration and communication opportunities
• A multi-disciplinary approach
• A core team this is highly collaborative with stakeholder groups
• An outcome driven focus
• Encouraging communities to take ownership in creating healthy living environments