Community Health and Wellbeing Workers Initiative shortlisted for HSJ Award
An innovative project to support local people who are facing health inequalities has become a finalist for a prestigious national Health Service Journal Award.
The joint entry is for the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker model, a collaboration between the NHS and voluntary sector. It was submitted by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and the 4 London-based primary care networks which form Healthcare Central London, in the category ‘Primary and Community Care Innovation of the Year’.
Community Health and Wellbeing Workers are located in areas facing the most health inequalities. Each worker supports 120 households on a monthly basis, becoming well respected and trusted members of the community. They listen and understand what matters to each person regardless of age, then support them to address their concerns.
In the first year in Cornwall the initial team of 10, based in Newquay, St Austell, Falmouth, Penryn and Truro, knocked on 1,753 doors and worked with 381 people. They found the top 3 issues that people needed support with were money, mental health issues and housing.
The model has since expanded into Bodmin, Redruth, Camborne, Pool and Illogan, and now has 43 workers in the team. Later this year new teams will support people in Penzance and Liskeard.
In Westminster the team has expanded from a pilot with 4 staff in the Churchill Gardens area to 29 staff over the course of this year. They cover 2 of the most deprived areas in Westminster. It is hoped these new staff will help replicate the success of the pilot, which saw a notable increase in the likelihood of screening and vaccine uptake.
The plan is to expand the model to cover the 50,000 most deprived residents in Westminster. It has also inspired the development of the ‘Octopus’ Integrated Neighbourhood Team. This brings together the Local Authority, Voluntary and Community Sector and health colleagues, working in partnership for the service of local people.
The Community Health and Wellbeing Worker model is based on a successful model that has been running in Brazil for 30 years, which showed remarkable improvements in population health and equity.
John Govett, Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said: “I am so very proud of our Community Health and Wellbeing Workers and the team that have worked so hard to recruit, train and support them. They live and work in local communities and truly understand them, which enables them to help overcome the inequalities. We’re helping shift the front door of primary care into the community using Community Health and Wellbeing Workers, inspired by the Brazilian model.”
Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said: “I am absolutely delighted that our pioneering work in making Community Health and Wellbeing Workers a success here in rural Cornwall is continuing to gain national recognition. It’s great to see their local leadership in action. More importantly I love to hear about the difference they are making each and every day to people in our most vulnerable communities.”
Dr Saul Kaufman, Healthcare Central London Vice Chair, Clinical Director for St John’s Wood and Maida Vale primary care network, and GP partner at St John's Wood Medical Practice said: "Healthcare Central London is really excited to be shortlisted for a Health Service Journal Award for our work with the Community Health and Wellbeing Workers across Westminster. We believe this brilliant, elegant model can really help our residents, our workforce, and our entire health and care system. We are delighted to be working in collaboration with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly on this programme.”
Donna Chapman, Development Manager for the Central Cornwall Integrated Care Area said: “This is such exciting news and a real opportunity to highlight the positive impact that is beginning to be seen on the health and wellbeing of those living in our most deprived communities.
“We have a fantastic team of people who are working hard to implement and develop the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker teams across our GP practices, primary care networks, third sector providers and the Integrated Care Board. It's wonderful that the teams and those supporting the development of this model are recognised for their efforts. This also recognises the working alliance we have with the teams in London.”
The Community Health and Wellbeing Workers use their coaching, information, advice and guidance skills to understand the biggest concerns each person is facing. They use a personalised approach for each person they support. This can involve helping with access to benefits, housing, and general wellbeing. They can also deliver local bespoke activities, including health promotion and ill health prevention. They work closely with the local GP practice and a range of other local organisations.
More than 1,350 entries were received across all categories for this year’s awards. The judges said they have been very impressed with the quality of this year's applications, which is testament to the innovation and care continually being developed within the health and social care sector. The overall winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 21 November 2024.
