Social action approaches to reduce the incidence of depression within socio-economic deprived communities in Scotland

This article will review the ways in which public health practitioners can utilise social action approaches to address health inequalities. A critical analysis and evaluation will present on how the social determinants of health are capable of impacting health and wellbeing and will discuss the ways in which the principles and practice of community development can be utilised to tackle depression at a community level. The relationship between public health theory and its application to social action will also be examined focusing on community development approaches to support communities to address health inequalities in relation to depression. Public health theory and public health practice development will be explored and the relationships between communication and public involvement in public health service provision will be presented.