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We have published a new briefing that sets out why the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector must be treated as a core partner in Neighbourhood Health.
Our briefing is an essential read for anyone designing or delivering neighbourhood models and provides clear, practical guidance on the integral role VCFSE organisations and infrastructure play in effective, equitable neighbourhood working.
The briefing takes learnings from a Cheshire and Merseyside Neighbourhood Health webinar, which brought together NHS and VCFSE place leaders from across the region. It highlights how strong place-level governance creates the conditions for consistent, scalable neighbourhood delivery, and how local VCFSE infrastructure enables meaningful engagement at neighbourhood level.
See the slides and watch the recording of the full webinar.
Drawing on real examples from areas including Sefton and St Helens, the briefing sets out practical actions to recognise the VCFSE sector as an equal partner, embed VCFSE organisations within place and neighbourhood teams, strengthen co-production and community voice, and make better use of local insight and data.
Warren Escadale, VSNW’s Chief Executive, said: “Neighbourhood Health is a vital priority for the VCFSE sector, but progress is being slowed by two key challenges: a lack of shared understanding of what Neighbourhood Health means in practice, and uncertainty about the role the VCFSE sector can and should play. This briefing aims to bring greater clarity on the latter, giving partners a stronger foundation to move forward with confidence.”
The briefing also highlights the critical role of local VCFSE infrastructure in coordinating engagement, amplifying community voice and supporting consistent, scalable neighbourhood models.
