The Dorset VCSA Virtual Exchange Webinar held on 29th January, recently shed light on the concept of neighbourhood health, defining it as a system where healthcare is brought closer to people’s homes. The emphasis is on early intervention, community-based strategies, and robust collaboration between various local service providers, including the voluntary sector, councils, and the NHS. This definition seeks to establish a common understanding of the core principles guiding neighbourhood health initiatives.
A key theme of the webinar was the “left shift,” which involves moving away from hospital-centric care towards community-based and preventative services, in line with the NHS 10-year plan. The voluntary sector was identified as playing a vital role in driving this shift, particularly in the areas of prevention and promoting overall well-being. The seminar also clarified the distinction between “place,” referring to the Dorset Council and BCP Council footprints, and “neighbourhood,” primarily defined by Primary Care Networks (PCNs). This distinction is essential for understanding how services are structured and delivered at different levels.
Furthermore, the webinar included a call to action for the voluntary sector, urging them to adapt to the changing landscape, collaborate with other services, understand their PCN, and clearly articulate their contribution to the “left shift.” The importance of co-production, where services are designed and audited in partnership with the community, was also emphasised. Additionally, the need for shared data and metrics was highlighted to ensure that efforts are aligned and that the data collected is meaningful for all stakeholders involved in neighbourhood health initiatives.
The webinar was recorded and is available for viewing on the VCSA YouTube channel. Previous webinars can also be accessed on the channel here.
There will be two more webinars in this series in February and March, details and links how to book can be found here.