Integrated neighbourhood working

The case studies presented here demonstrate examples of neighbourhood working across England. They show the breadth of models and the diverse approaches to neighbourhood working.

We have intentionally ensured the sample is diverse, representing multiple different geographies, characteristics, methodologies and lead organisations from across England. Key characteristics of the sample of case studies are represented in these pie charts.

The case studies:

• include system-wide approaches such as that exemplified by the Leeds Care Partnership, with healthcare providers, local authorities, and community organisations collaborating based on collective responsibility for bringing together local resources and funding to achieve shared community goals. 
• reflect the potentially powerful role of primary care and general practice, such as in Surrey Growing Health Together, where GPs have helped to build stronger relationships with local communities as part of expanding their roles to engage with the social determinants of health. 
• show communities at the heart of change, in the community empowerment such as that exemplified by W12 Together – enabling diverse communities to have a united voice when it comes to what is happening in their neighbourhoods 
• demonstrate the role of voluntary and community sector (VCSE) organisations, with grassroots leadership and community assets “Nourishing Norfolk” in a time of severe pressures on individuals, households and the services that support them.

A core reflection across all of these case studies is the impossibility of capturing the true richness and relationships that underpin them, or the impact that they are having, in a few paragraphs.

These case studies are one element of a wider research project on neighbourhood working, undertaken by PPL on behalf of the NHS Confederation and Local Trust.

All case studies are a product of interviews and the provision of further written information from representatives from each case study example in June and July 2024.

The review complements a literature review on neighbourhood working, covering key drivers, enablers and barriers.

The combined outputs help build a case for change and specific recommendations on next steps to support the spread and scaling of neighbourhood working.

We would like to thank all of those areas who gave their time to contribute their experience, learning and outcomes to the case studies detailed in the sections.

The case studies were co-developed as part of a foundational research project with Local Trust and the NHS Confederation.  

Funding is key to all these case studies, and Big Local is a large contributor to many of the community-led examples.

• The case studies presented here rely on a diverse set of funding streams. Some are funded through PCNs, others through funding provided through the ICB budgets specifically designed to address inequalities and others still through a varied mix of funding sources
• One of the key funding sources for VCSE-led examples is Big Local funding:
  • Through Big Local, 150 areas across England were enabled to create lasting change in their neighbourhoods over 10 to 15 years, through grants of just over £1m each.
  • Designed from the outset to be radically different from other funding programmes, at the heart of Big Local is a vision of community development that champions resilient, dynamic, asset-rich neighbourhoods, making their own decisions on what is best for their area.
• The impact of Big Local has been large, it has served to re-invigorate and extend the impact of existing community schemes or lead to the establishment of completely new initiatives in an area. All Big Local funds were targeted to improve the health and wellbeing of the most deprived neighbourhoods
• Community led examples in particular are likely to rely on several different funding sources. This can lead to high levels of managerial and administrative work to maintain and report on several different funding streams

The Action Learning methodology is a collaborative approach to supporting individual problem solving, reflective learning, sharing and leadership development. Typically, ALS’ consist of 4-6 sessions and have 8-10 participants. 

Action Learning supports a continuous process of learning and reflection based on the relationship between reflection and action.

• Be committed to professional and leadership development 
• Have a specific ‘real life’ challenge or problem, relating to INW 
• Thrive through peer-to-peer learning, supporting fellow participants 

• Gain time and space for deep thinking and learning 
• Develop relationships with like-minded peers, supporting each other to solve problems and hold each other accountable 
• Become able to move from insight into action 
• Grow your confidence as a leader and self-awareness 
• Gain skills to carry with you in the future 

• Feel better equipped to lead and deliver neighbourhood healthcare. 
• Participants will gain the skills, capabilities and confidence to enable local shifts in healthcare closer to communities. 
• NHS teams feel better connected to others in their neighbourhood, creating more productive and quality services for people. 
• The COP will act as a trial for longer term approaches, which we may use for future influencing work.