Healthier communities lead to reduced demand on services and longer healthy lifespans.
For obvious reasons, one of the key pillars of the NHS 10-Year Plan is prevention. But prevention doesn’t work from top-down, it needs to be community-driven.
With peer support, neighbourly action and accessible services designed with people, prevention sticks.
Here are some real life examples.
Can Do Bristol shows that residents are ready to help when given the opportunity. Thousands of residents have stepped up to volunteer. Strengthening health from the ground up.
Devon Connect surfaces everyday opportunities for connection. Like walking groups, peer-led wellbeing sessions and local clubs. These “small things” build social relationships, a key step towards reduction on clinical services.
Living Well Warrington brings digital signposting together with in-person Talking Points and local outreach. Meaning people can find local groups, peer networks and services that keep them connected and healthier.
How can a platform help?
Actionable tip:
Choose one key area from your ICB’s prevention strategy, say loneliness or smoking. Identify three existing community groups already tackling it and help surface their offers through a shared platform or hub.