AbstractBetween October 1993 and May 1994, a pilot study was undertaken to explore ways of enhancing community participation and empowerment in health‐related issues in the south‐east region of Wolverhampton. The study was commissioned from the Centre for Health Services Studies at the University of Warwick by Wolverhampton Health Executive. During the study period, 129 interviews were conducted with health professionals, local authority and voluntary workers, and local residents. Interview texts were subjected to detailed analysis, and the most pressing preoccupations of respondents were identified and quantified. Interview data were supplemented and validated by the use of 1991 census data by enumeration district, and by information about the characteristics of local neighbourhoods supplied by 49 local residents and workers. Significant differences in attitude towards health issues between health professionals and local residents were found, which resulted in barriers to accessing services. On the basis of what was learned during the course of the pilot study, a model has been devised for continuing the work of the Locality Focus on Health in other parts of the boro
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