Community health

We tackle persistent and widening health inequalities by improving access to medical services and supporting people to build the knowledge, skills and social connections to be well.

The challenge

Over the last ten years, health inequalities across the UK have grown, and life expectancy has stalled. A radical shift is needed to tackle these widening, persistent health inequalities. 

Our health and social care system are under pressure. With longer waiting times, health conditions can exacerbate over time, causing additional stress and complication. Different parts of the system do not always work together, leaving people confused, frustrated and unsure where to turn.

Fundamentally, the health system has been set up to treat the body. We recognise true wellbeing encompasses the housing we live in, the air we breathe, the number of close friends we have, skills and knowledge to cope. Ultimately if we do not have the resources and opportunities to meet all our wider needs, we are not able to lead happy, healthy and connected lives, no matter how physically well we are.

What we do

We understand that health and wellness go beyond medical treatments. That is why we offer a range of services tailored to meet the needs of our community, ensuring that each individual feels valued and understood. This approach helps individuals achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives, as our integrated, person-centred approach ensures that everyone can access the proper support at the right time.

Our services encompass a broad spectrum of areas, including housing support, stress management, depression and anxiety, weight management, social isolation and loneliness, unemployment, and effective management of long-term health conditions. We collaborate with patients, primary care providers, and health commissioners to co-design services, ensuring that communities and patients are the focal point of our services.

We deliver services directly and offer training and consultancy support in designing services, engaging with underrepresented groups, and navigating health systems. 

We collaborate with patients, primary care providers, and health commissioners to co-design services, ensuring that communities and patients are the focal point of our services.

We recognise that we are all experts in our own lives and best placed to make decisions for ourselves and our families.

We encourage people to take responsibility for their own wellbeing needs and connect with what motivates them to stay well. We listen deeply and accompany people as they solve their problems.

Factors such as language, confidence, mental health, isolation can prevent people from receiving the guidance and support they need within the health system. Knowledge is power: so we work with individuals addressing knowledge gaps and building skills, so people can better navigate and access local health and well-being services.

Our team are trained in cultural competence. We work to understand how different communities relate to their health, to signpost more appropriately, ensure people feel seen and support sustainable long-term behaviour change.

We need one another and we are all responsible for one another’s wellbeing. Good relationships are vital for good health, for happiness, for a long and fulfilling life.

We are committed to meeting people where they are, in the places they feel comfortable. Our community outreach work enables us to engage people who are less likely to attend health services.

The difference we make

We are trusted by NHS organisations to deliver high quality services and offer the wraparound support needed. We are not afraid of listening to communities about the services they need and how they want them to be delivered. We work with health professionals and partner organisations to influence and improve pathways for patients to knit systems, and advocate for non-medical interventions.

We support people to discover community groups and activities where people can find new social connections and enrich their lives long-term.

For more information contact Denise Gabriel at denise.gabriel@theaws.org

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“I’ve been coming to chair-based exercise for nearly two years now. The doctors referred me to a walk. From the walk, I was told about the chair-based exercise, which was easier to do at first and I did regain a lot of muscle mass.

I don’t miss this for nothing. It gets you out the house. Get some exercises. You interact with all the other people. Have a laugh afterwards. Sit down and talk, right the world. It’s a peaceful place to come. I’ve made some more friends.” Kelvin, walking group and chair fitness attendee

“When people are unwell, they often ask “what do I need to do?” because they think that doctors have all the answers, but they don’t. Instead, we ask people “What do you think we should do.” It builds people’s self-esteem and gives them their power back. That’s how it starts. And then over time, once they’re a bit more empowered, you can see a shift in in the way they carry themselves, their confidence and the way they’re able to understand themselves.”

Naeed, Social Prescriber

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Pull up a seat

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The Active Communities programme was the local delivery pilot for Birmingham and Solihull, a collaboration between Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, led by The Active Wellbeing Society.

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Creating long-lasting positive change is complex – let’s work together to make it happen.