It seems to us that Neighbourhood health is the new Kid on the block, and its all that people within systems across the UK are talking about. It’s a prime mover of the new and revised NHS Plan, and of course its heavily linked to the Preventative Agenda and within that Community Involvement.

The National Association of Community and Voluntary Associations (NAVCA) have just finalised their report on Neighbourhood Health, a report which sought the views of many Infrastructure organisations across the UK which included VIN as part of the SAWN Partnership.

VIN has worked within Infrastructure for 30 years and never has the landscape been tougher.

Neighbourhood health offers opportunities for the VCSE, but it also has its challenges. We know the deficit that our system has in Northamptonshire, so a new and refreshed way of delivering Health in Place is important.

SAWN has produced its blueprint for how it could best work.

The SAWN advantage can be viewed here 

There are 8 key ingredients. Some are underway, some are being examined and some are yet to be considered.

Local Infrastructure Organisations hold a conduit place within the VCSE. The VCSE operate best at Place where they Live, Work and Invest. A greater role for the VCSE is an imperative in this new world of combined delivery strategies and effective management of funds. The role of Local Authorities and Health is in seeing and activating that knowledge, skill and understanding.

The VCSE is at its best unlocking community potential and changing behaviours.

SAWN is calling on the Northamptonshire system to realise that potential and work in a spirit of enabling and empowering.