The Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy

The Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research and Policy (SCPHRP) was established in 2008. It is co-funded by The Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO), and based within the University of Edinburgh.

SCPHRP’s work spans across a wide breadth or public health topics such as physical activity, diet and mental health and explores health across the life course. We disseminate our findings in a variety of ways, tailoring outputs for target audiences and utilising creatively and social media to engage with a diverse audience.

One of the ways that SCPHRP disseminates information about the work it undertakes is by creating short videos. Recent videos include a pilot project called Stand Up for Health. Stand Up for Health is a complex health intervention aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour in call centres. The Stand Up for Health intervention has been developed and tested within the Ipsos MORI call centre in Leith. SCPHRP conducted qualitative focus groups and facilitated a workshop to understand the needs and context of the call centre. Based on the qualitative data, activities to reduce sedentary behaviour were developed to target four levels on the call centre: individual, social/cultural, environmental, and organisational levels. Examples of these activities included personal goal setting, healthy competitions, implementation of equipment (standing desks, treadmill desks, stair stepper, etc.), and the creation of a wellness committee to organise and administer activities once the researchers had left. The project was a great success with many employees seeing a very positive impact on their life. See a short inspirational video about the project here.

You can find out more about the work SCPHRP undertakes by visiting their website and by signing up to their monthly e-bulletin.