Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE)
The Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) aims to turn Bristol into a healthier city, with built environments that help people to be more healthy. SHINE will achieve this by integrating health, well-being and social inclusion with urban development, transport and planning, to reduce health risks and promote healthier lifestyles.
The team includes experts from Bristol's universities, the city council and NHS acute and mental health trusts and local communities. The leadership team has been expanded to broaden SHINE's expertise base.
Latest news and events
Bristol Walk Fest 2021 - One of the UK's largest urban celebrations of walking with events throughout May
30 April 2021
The month-long Bristol Walk Fest is underway this May with a ‘one stop shop’ website of walking in Bristol featuring an impressive variety of walking routes, groups, information and competitions. This year, Bristol Walk Fest has adapted its program...
SHINE HIT tackles air pollution exposure at the hospital door
15 March 2021
Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation recently published a report, The Invisible Threat, which stated that 29% of hospitals in England are in areas where pollution puts vulnerable people, and healthcare professionals, at risk. Suzanne Audrey, co-dire...
Bristol Walk Fest returns in May with a COVID-19 secure edition
25 February 2021
Bristol Walk Fest will return from May 1 to 31 2021 with a COVID-19 secure edition offering digital excursions, signposts to a variety of walking routes and activities, step-counting incentives and, it is hoped, a choice of guided and themed walks caterin...
New Bristol walking app is looking for local contributions
2 February 2021
The Bristol City Council Sustainable Transport team are partnering with Age UK Bristol to launch a free walking app at the end of April. There will be a new Bristol section on an already established app called Go Jauntly. The app includes other areas ac...
South Bristol community group is connecting people with local wildlife
17 December 2020
If you asked most people in Bristol what kind of birds, animals and insects can be found in their garden or surrounding green spaces, chances are they wouldn’t be able to tell you. But a group of enthusiastic locals in South Bristol are hoping to in...
International call to action to enable everyone, everywhere to be physically active
11 November 2020
Researchers from NIHR ARC West and the University of Bristol have contributed to the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) ‘Eight Investments That Work for Physical Activity‘, released today. The #8Investments is a concise roa...
HIT Conference goes virtual to address the impact of COVID-19 and wider health inequalities
20 October 2020
Bristol Health Partners held its annual Health Integration Team (HIT) Conference as an entirely virtual event this year because of the pandemic. The event, “COVID-19 Call to Action: What else can we achieve in health and social care?”, took place b...
2020 HIT annual conference presentations and interviews now available
8 October 2020
The 2020 Bristol Health Partners Health Integration Team Conference took place as a virtual event over the course of four days (28 September - 1 October 2020). More information on the speakers and sessions can be found here.Presentations from the event an...
We need to admit that cycling and walking are completely different activities
6 August 2020
Dr Suzanne Audrey is a Co-Director of our Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) and a senior research fellow in public health at the University of Bristol. She has an interest in the benefits that walk...
SHINE HIT toolkits for active travel to school available on Travelwest
13 July 2020
With more people taking an interest in being more active and looking at ways to help tackle climate change, active travel in the form of walking, cycling and scooting has become very popular. Our Supporting Healthy and Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments...
Supporting Health Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) HIT review of 2019-20
9 June 2020
Professor Adrian Davis, Dr Suzanne Audrey and Sally Hogg, Directors of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT), look back on the HIT’s achievements over the past 12 months. Over the past 12 months...
WHO and UN-Habitat launch sourcebook for healthy urban planning
8 June 2020
Marcus Grant, a health and spatial planning specialist, is a member of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) and an Expert Advisor to WHO's European Healthy City Network, and was involved in the de...
Latest Transport Department report pledges shift to public and active transport
2 April 2020
The report, Decarbonising Transport – Setting the Challenge, outlines the government’s latest intentions to tackle climate change through drastic transport changes. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps states that 2020 will be the year that the governme...
Bristol aims for walking to be the first choice of transport for local journeys
3 February 2020
The work of our Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration team (SHINE HIT) co-director Dr Suzanne Audrey has made a direct impact on Bristol's Transport Strategy, which was finalised and adopted in 2019.
SHINE HIT contributes to international journal on child friendly cities
21 January 2020
Supporting the many initiatives that are helping to make Bristol a child friendly city is an important cross-cutting action to support healthier urban living for everyone. It is also an area of focus for our Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood E...
Woodburners – the uncomfortable truth
6 December 2019
Jess is a GP working in West Walk Surgery in Yate, and a research fellow at the University of Bristol. She lives in St Werburghs with her husband, four children and a dog.
Poor produce fewer traffic emissions than rich but are most affected – study finds
2 December 2019
A study analysing vehicle emissions in relation to different parts of society in England and Wales has found that more affluent households emit the highest levels of traffic-related pollutants but the poor are most exposed to this form of pollution.
Helping Bedminster residents spend a penny: local toilet map updated by SHINE HIT
11 September 2019
Bedminster residents are fortunate to have a map showing which local businesses will let them use their toilet facilities for free, which has just been updated. This map is produced by local activist Ben Barker, who is a member of SHINE HIT.
Bristol 20mph here to stay as public support for the safer speed limits rides high
11 June 2019
Safer 20mph speed limits are here to stay in Bristol, with the results of Bristol City Council’s review leaving the limits in place across the city.
Tackling transport is Bristol citizens’ biggest concern
16 May 2019
Zoe Trinder-Widdess and Zoe Banks Gross on the results of the Council's recent Quality of Life report, and what it tells us about the priorities of Bristolians.
SHINE HIT review of 2018-19
15 May 2019
Co-Directors of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments HIT (SHINE), Dr Adrian Davis and Dr Suzanne Audrey, reflects on their progress over the past 12 months....
Bristol Health Partners to invest £176k in its Health Integration Teams
13 May 2019
Health Integration Teams (HITs) are set to benefit from £176k of investment from Bristol Health Partners in 2019-20. HITs requested funding from the partnership for a wide variety of projects, with the majority receiving funding.
Bristol Walking Alliance events during Bristol Walk Fest explore the walkability of Bristol
20 March 2019
How walkable is Bristol? This is the question at the centre of Bristol Walking Alliance (BWA) events for 2019’s Bristol Walk Fest, which runs throughout May.
Health and social care commissioners hear about HITs at special seminar
17 February 2019
Health and social care commissioners came together at City Hall for a special seminar to hear about the work of Health Integration Teams, attended by over 60 people.
Bristol’s medics support 20mph speed limits in Road Safety Week
19 November 2018
Bristol’s medics, including doctors from the children’s hospital and the city’s emergency departments, are showing their support for the city’s safer 20mph speed limits during Road Safety Week 19-25 November.
We must reconsider the dominance of cars on most of Bristol's streets
30 October 2018
Dr Suzanne Audrey is senior research fellow in public health at the University of Bristol with an interest in the health benefits of walking. She is co-director of the SHINE HIT.
HITs with a focus on healthy, safe environments get together for a networking breakfast
12 October 2018
On Wednesday 3 October, Health Integration Teams (HITs) with a focus on healthy, safe environments got together for a networking breakfast at Lifeskills at the CREATE Centre in South Bristol.
How did the pedestrian cross the road? The good, the bad and the reasons why pedestrian crossings are important
9 October 2018
An event on Tuesday 16 October, 6.45-8.30pm at the Watershed, Harbourside offers an opportunity to share ideas and opinions about the best ways to ensure people in Bristol can cross the road safely and conveniently.
SHINE Director Adrian Davis to take on new transport and health professorship
6 September 2018
Edinburgh Napier University has appointed Adrian Davis to the groundbreaking position of Professor of Transport & Health. Adrian is a Director of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) Health Integration Team (HIT).
Innovative research into the link between the urban environment and health urgently needed
6 September 2018
Researchers are calling for more innovative studies into the link between changes to urban neighbourhoods and their impact on residents’ mental health and wellbeing. The research team at the University of Bristol and NIHR CLAHRC West reviewed existing st...
Safer 20mph speed limits in Bristol are under threat - here's what you can do to protect them in your area
19 July 2018
Bristol City Council is consulting on 20mph speed limits in Bristol, with 83 20mph roads and six 30mph roads up for review. If you're concerned that a move back to 30mph is not the direction the city should be travelling in, here's what you can do.
20mph limits benefit everyone in Bristol, from the youngest to the oldest
4 July 2018
Supporters of 20mph limits – which research has shown is seven out of 10 adults surveyed – need to make their voices heard. Bristol City Council’s consultation on the safer speed limits includes 83 20mph roads and six 30mph roads up for review.
Death of SHINE HIT's Peter Wilkinson
22 June 2018
Peter Wilkinson, a Bristol parks manager and member of the Healthy Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) HIT, has died aged 57.
Health Integration Teams attract nearly £4.7 million in 2017-18
15 June 2018
Bristol Health Partners Health Integration Teams (HITs) have attracted nearly £4.7 million in funding to the local health system in 2017-18.
SHINE HIT's achievements in 2017-18
1 May 2018
Co-Director of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments HIT (SHINE), Dr Adrian Davis, reflects on progress over the past 12 months.
A call to policymakers to change transport planning so children can lead active lives
24 April 2018
Dr Adrian Davis, Director of SHINE HIT, is among a group of public health experts, clinicians and transport specialists making a call on government to improve active travel infrastructure so children can lead active lives.
20mph speed limits in Bristol save lives, reduce injuries and save the NHS £15 million a year
13 February 2018
The 20mph speed limits in residential areas in Bristol have prevented more than four fatal casualties a year, as well as 11 serious and 159 slight injuries, an evaluation by UWE Bristol has found, estimated to have saved the NHS £15 million a year.
The roads programme is a deplorable refusal to face the facts
26 January 2018
Adrian Davis on the Government's 'deplorable' roads programme, which, he argues, runs counter to the evidence, doesn't represent efficient use of funds and will lead to untold ecological damage.
Joint Spatial Plan must address public health issues, Bristol Health Partners urges
17 January 2018
The Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) is a rare opportunity to plan for a healthier future for the West of England, but Bristol Health Partners believes that the latest version of the plan doesn’t address public health issues strongly enough.
HIT events stir debate at Healthy City Week 2017
8 November 2017
Creating a Bristol that works for people of all ages and abilities was at the core of Health Integration Team (HIT) events during Healthy City Week this year. Healthy City Week ran from 7-14 October, and included ‘HIT Monday’, as well as other HIT events...
An additional 20 minutes commuting each day lowers job satisfaction equivalent to a 19 per cent pay cut
23 October 2017
An additional 20 minutes of commuting each working day is equivalent to a 19% annual pay cut when it comes to measuring how satisfied people say they are with their jobs, a new study has found.
Walking and cycling are the oxygen for healthy towns and cities
17 October 2017
Adrian Davis describes Sustrans' new Active Travel Toolbox, which gives policy makers the evidence they need to support walking and cycling as a health intervention. Adrian is a co-Director of SHINE.
How can we solve Bristol’s trickiest health and sustainability problems?
2 October 2017
Zoe Trinder-Widdess, Bristol Health Partners Communications Manager, on some of the Health Integration Team highlights from this year's Healthy City Week, which takes place 7-14 October 2017.
SHINE's Ben Barker awarded MBE in Queen's birthday honours
21 June 2017
Community activist Ben Barker, who is on the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) leadership team, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours. Ben is a member of the Greater Bedminster Community Partnership.
Hartcliffe children demand safer streets to play out in
20 June 2017
As part of a joint project with Playing Out and Knightstone Housing, children from Room 13 Hareclive in Hartcliffe, South Bristol, are calling for safer streets from speeding traffic so they can play out more where they live.
SHINE HIT's achievements in 2016-17
22 May 2017
Directors Adrian Davis and Suzanne Audrey, together with Marcus Grant, reflect on their work to promote the importance of healthy urban environments through the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT).
HITs bring nearly £4m in funding to the region in last nine months
27 March 2017
Health Integration Teams (HITs) have brought £3,988,121 of funding to the region since July 2016. Some of these awards are for research, while others are for service innovation.
Build-in health or build more hospitals event success
9 March 2017
A range of people with a stake or an interest in city development came together at the Architecture Centre in the centre of Bristol for an event held as part of Bristol Healthy City Week.
Avon Wildlife Trust Wellbeing Through Nature secures future funding
14 December 2016
Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund, Avon Wildlife Trust can continue to deliver nature, health and wellbeing projects across Avon for a further four years.
Evidence suggests safety in cycling numbers in Bristol
22 November 2016
Evidence suggests that the more people who cycle, the safer cycling becomes, according to a report on data for England's major cities, including Bristol.
Bristol case study used in WHO New Urban Agenda report
17 November 2016
A case study showcasing Bristol's commitment to health in its neighbourhood planning formed part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) report to inform the UN's New Urban Agenda.
Mayor supports build-in health or build more hospitals event
11 October 2016
Healthy neighbourhoods are the bedrock of a healthy city. But can the market deliver the kind of places that we know support healthy lifestyles? Can we splice together health and development economics to reduce the financial and social burden arising fro...
How can Bristol tackle health and sustainability in the real world?
5 October 2016
As world leaders grapple with the realities of implementing the historic Paris climate change deal, Bristol is taking a typically local approach to the major challenge of how a future city can tackle health and sustainability in the real world.
Share your views on disability and the built environment
3 October 2016
The accessibility of our homes, buildings and public spaces is an issue not just for those of us with a permanent physical disability. This inquiry explores the extent to which those needs are considered and accommodated.
Bristol Health Partners and Health Integration Teams' contribution to Healthy City Week
14 September 2016
This year's Healthy City Week Bristol (15-22 October) will see a strong contribution from Bristol Health Partner organisations and Health Integration Teams (HITs). Not only is Bristol Health Partners the headline supporter for the week, but we are offeri...
Challenging the HITs to collaborate in new ways with Bristol Health Partnerology
13 July 2016
At the annual Health Integration Team (HIT) conference this year, HITs were challenged to find new ways to collaborate in the specially created Bristol Health Partner-opoly walking game.
Health Integration Team model evaluation paper published
1 July 2016
The results of NIHR CLAHRC West's preliminary evaluation of the ‘Health Integration Team’ model have been published in BMC Health Services Research.
Our 2015-16 annual review is out now
27 June 2016
Our 2015-16 annual review was launched at our annual Health Integration Team (HIT) conference on 17 June. The Bristol Health Partners annual review showcases the work of the partnership and includes updates from most of our 20 HITs and a round-up of the...
SHINE HIT 2015-16 review
31 May 2016
Dr Suzanne Audrey, Dr Adrian Davis and Marcus Grant, the Directors of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team, give a round up of what happened in 2015-16.
Are Bristolian and British attitudes to cycling on different trajectories?
27 May 2016
Dr Adrian Davis, Director of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) Health Integration Team, talks about the differences between Bristol and the rest of the country in terms of attitudes to cycling.
Bristol Walking Alliance puts best foot forward
18 May 2016
A new campaigning group that aims to make the walking environment in Bristol more welcoming, safe, convenient and inclusive launched at in 17 May. The Bristol Walking Alliance is a collective of organisations and individuals who believe that walking is a...
Public Health England launches active travel report
16 May 2016
Public Health England has published its first briefing for local authorities on active travel, which was co-authored by Adrian Davis, Director of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT).
Report your walking and cycling Bristol bugbears
11 May 2016
Bristol City Council has some money to make small improvements to walking and cycling routes. Fixing small things can make a big difference - bugbears are the small irritating things that hinder your cycling and walking through Bristol.
Bristol’s health experts come out in support of 20mph speed limits
15 March 2016
Bristol’s health and care community are showing their support for the city’s 20mph speed limits as the council debates the issue today (15 March). A public petition supporting the speed limits, which received more than 4,100 signatures from people in Bri...
Travel to work survey running 7-13 March
7 March 2016
The four local authorities for South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset are running a travel to work survey, working with local employers to reduce traffic congestion.
Health Integration Teams well represented in Bristol Health and Care Awards shortlist
4 March 2016
Bristol Health Partners Health Integration Teams (HITs) are well represented in the shortlist for the inaugural Bristol Health and Care Awards. HITs are a pioneering way of working on health issues in Bristol.
Joint Health Integration Team response to West of England joint spatial plan
17 February 2016
Bristol Health Partners Health Integration Teams (HITs) have made a joint response to the West of England's joint spatial plan consultation. In response to housing pressure in the Avon sub-region, the area’s four local authorities, Bristol, North Somer...
Researchers ask for public’s views on Bristol’s shared spaces
15 February 2016
Researchers at the University of Bristol are asking people for their views about ‘shared space’ in the city. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and others are often expected to share routes or public spaces in order to get around in Bristol.
Less than 150 signatures needed on keep 20mph speed limits petition
12 January 2016
The petition to keep 20mph speed limits in Bristol is less than 150 signatures away from its target, which will trigger a full council debate on the issue.
Healthy cities explored at Festival of the Future City
26 November 2015
On 17 November, 250 members of the public and 24 speakers came together to explore what makes a city healthy, as part of the health strand of the Festival of the Future City.
SHINE's healthy, inclusive neighbourhood checklist workshop
18 November 2015
As part of Healthy City Week, the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) held a workshop to contribute to the development of a healthy, inclusive neighbourhood checklist.
Designing neighbourhoods for health, well-being and social inclusion
11 November 2015
Marcus Grant, SHINE Director, rounds up the National Urban Design Group annual conference.
Support the 20mph speed limit
6 November 2015
Dr Suzanne Audrey, co-director of SHINE HIT, is encouraging everyone to get behind an online petition in favour of keeping and extending 20mph speed limits in Bristol.
Ground breaking Planning for Health & Wellbeing book
24 June 2015
A ground breaking new book, the Routledge Handbook of Planning for Health and Wellbeing, is launching on 2 July. Aimed at decision-makers in control of urban planning and transport policy, this handbook is co-authored by SHINE HIT's Marcus Grant.
Healthy Neighbourhood Environments HIT review of 2014-15
26 May 2015
Dr Suzanne Audrey, Dr Adrian Davis and Marcus Grant, Directors of the Healthy Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) give an update on progress in 2014-15.
SHINE HIT event round-up
7 May 2015
The Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) Health Integration Team held a Review Meeting on Tuesday 14 April which was attended by a variety of academics, individuals working in Public Health and Urban Design, Community Engagemen...
Support and compliance study of 20mph speed limits
27 April 2015
Drivers' attitudes to 20mph speed limits don't necessarily reflect their actual behaviour, with some supporters speeding, while some opponents comply, a study finds.
Bristol hosts key nature and wellbeing summit
2 March 2015
A nature and wellbeing summit, hosted in Bristol as part of the city’s year as European Green Capital, is bringing together leading UK and European practitioners, researchers and decision-makers to discuss the value of nature in our society and nature-ba...
Bristol's Traffic Choices tool adopted by others
12 February 2015
Bristol City Council's Traffic Choices website helps people living in local neighbourhoods make informed decisions about what traffic schemes could work in their area. A local version of the site is now being adopted by Somerset County Council, with othe...
Green, healthy cities conference comes to Bristol
29 January 2015
The International Making Cities Livable Council (IMCL) are holding their 52nd conference on achieving green, healthy cities at the Watershed in Bristol from 29 June - 3 July. Marcus Grant, SHINE HIT Director, will be presenting on healthy urban neighbour...
NIHR CLAHRC West research projects announced
29 January 2015
The National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (NIHR CLAHRC West) has announced the first round of research projects that it will be working on in the first part of 2015.
Death of SHINE HIT's Stephen Hewitt
10 November 2014
Stephen Hewitt, who was closely involved with our Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) has died, aged 56. He worked jointly across the public health and planning departments of Bristol city council,...
Value for money assessment of walking and cycling
6 November 2014
SHINE HIT director Adrian Davis has assessed the economic value of walking and cycling interventions in the UK. This work was commissioned by the Department for Transport.
Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments HIT review of 2013-14
17 August 2014
Dr Suzanne Audrey and Marcus Grant reflect on the achievements in 2013-14 of the Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT).
Focus on SHINE HIT
12 June 2014
The Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) aims to turn Bristol into a healthier city, with built environments that help people to be more healthy.
Bristol wins global award for healthy, liveable city
10 June 2014
The 2014 International Making Cities Liveable Lewis Mumford Award has been awarded to Mayor George Ferguson and Bristol City Council for leadership in creating a ‘Healthy Bristol for All’.
Anatomy of a green capital exhibition
28 April 2014
The Architecture Centre is showing an exhibition called Living City: the anatomy of a green capital from 14 May, as well as running a related season of events.
Public toilets to remain open in Bristol
13 March 2014
Bristol City Council will not be closing Bristol's public toilets. The proposal to close them was part of budget consultations, to which SHINE HIT responded with a summary of the public health implications.
SHINE responds to closure of Bristol's public toilets
16 December 2013
The Healthy Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) HIT responds to the council's budget consultation and proposals to close many of Bristol's public toilets.
HIT seminar is a hit for APCRC
25 November 2013
The Avon Primary Care Research Collaborative (APCRC) seminar on Bristol Health Partners and our Health Integration Teams (HITs) on 19 November proved very popular, with more people than were registered turning up on the day.
SHINE aims to make it easy to stay healthy in Bristol
27 September 2013
The Supporting Healthy Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments Health Integration Team (SHINE HIT) launched on Thursday 26 September. Chairing the event, Angela Raffle explained: “We want to make Bristol a place where it’s easy to stay healthy.”...
Edinburgh Professor to give keynote at SHINE launch
23 September 2013
University of Edinburgh Professor of Landscape Architecture Catharine Ward-Thompson will give the keynote speech at our Healthy Environments HIT on Thursday 26 September.
Marcus Grant blogs on healthy environments for BMJ
28 August 2013
SHINE HIT's Marcus Grant has written a blog for the British Medical Journal on the influence of our everyday environment, our neighbourhoods, towns, and cities, on our health.
