Co-ordination, collaboration and health promotion: lessons and issues from an alcohol education programme

Abstract

This article draws upon the evaluation of an alcohol education programme in South West England to develop a discussion about how to improve co-ordination and collaboration in health promotion between different professionals. The importance of collaboration is frequently recognized but research evidence suggests that it is very hard to achieve. Three main issues are addressed. First, the article considers how the national funders of regional programmes can improve their relationship with local agencies. Second, the district co-ordination model of the South West programme is assessed as a possible model for co-ordination across a range of health topics. Third, the tactics of professional network development at the local level are explored.