Local environments, services and social support contribute to people feeling safe, active and able to live well. Access to green spaces, opportunities for physical activity and the meeting of local health needs mean health is prioritised in it's broadest sense.
The Leys
What the community told us: Young people and families said they needed better mental health support and the local primary care network also wanted to improve HPV vaccination rates.
What happened as a result: The community health development officer worked in partnership with the local GP surgery to run focus groups with priority groups, building confidence in the HPV vaccine and improving understanding and uptake. They also coordinated local health fairs that have strengthened community engagement with the primary care network (PCN).
Littlemore
What the community told us: Residents wanted help with healthy eating on a budget and more activities they could lead themselves.
What happened as a result: Resident-led cooking sessions, supported by local partners, have become popular, with positive feedback from those taking part and more people getting involved in planning activities.
Rosehill
What the community told us: The community wanted more events and better access to health information.
What happened as a result: The community health development officer organised health fairs and worked with schools and faith groups, with over 100 people attending and more residents now aware of local services.
Banbury (Grimsbury, Ruscote, Neithrop)
What the community told us: There was a need for practical food skills and support with healthy eating.
What happened as a result: Community kitchens and cooking classes were started by local groups, with families sharing meals and learning new recipes together. Residents say they are more confident cooking healthy meals at home.
Littlemore cooking group
Stacey and Tracey explain the impact a cooking group has had on their local community - bringing people together and providing essential social contact.
Local support for local people
The community health and wellbeing workers bring local knowledge and the ability to connect residents with services that can support them. This invaluable and pivotal role helps reduce exclusion and support those who don't know where to turn.
Understanding the impact on health
Working in partnership with The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities, as a network we have a better understanding of the value of community insight profiles and how they have directly impacted the health of communities across the county.
Improving health needs partnership thinking
Partnerships are not one‑off collaborations. Long term and local, strong partnerships combined with funding supports communities, shares resources, and focuses action where it will have the greatest impact.