Reflections from Helen Fisher, HIVCA Leadership Committee member and sits on the NHS Neighbourhood Health Transformation Board
It was really encouraging to see such strong VCSE representation at the recent National Neighbourhood Health visit to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The visit brought together a select group of people from across health and care, to hear how Neighbourhood Health is developing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with each place having the opportunity to share its approach and ambitions. It was particularly positive to see the VCSE sector so well represented within those local conversations and to be invited into the room as an important partner.
There was a real sense that the VCSE sector is recognised as being integral to the development of Neighbourhood Health, rather than simply an additional voice around the table. Across the different places, there was a strong commitment to working with VCSE organisations and recognising the contribution they can make to understanding and responding to the needs of local communities.
Dr Clare Fuller, who leads on Neighbourhood Health nationally for the NHS, also highlighted NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wights investment in HIVCA as a positive example of the infrastructure needed to support meaningful partnership working with the VCSE sector. This was a valuable acknowledgement of the role HIVCA can play in connecting the sector into these emerging neighbourhood arrangements.
There is still plenty of work to do. The Neighbourhood Health footprints are expected to be agreed in October, which will give us a much clearer footprint of how the new arrangements will work locally. Once these footprints are confirmed, HIVCA will be looking to connect VCSE organisations with the relevant neighbourhood conversations and opportunities to get involved.
For me, the visit reinforced something that feels really important, the success of Neighbourhood Health will depend on genuine partnership with communities and the VCSE sector. There is a real opportunity now to build on the relationships already developing and make sure the knowledge, reach and experience of VCSE organisations is part of shaping what Neighbourhood Health looks like across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Written By: HIVCA
