Levelling Up Health and Wellbeing

A Place-based Approach

Whole system working towards health inequalities

By taking an Asset Based Community Development approach, and listening to the needs identified by communities from Oakwood Hill in Loughton, Limes Farm in Chigwell and Shelley in Ongar, community groups, clubs and system leaders were able to work together to address residents poor health outcomes as a result of economic deprivation.

With significant funding through the Essex Public Health Accedlerator Bid (PHAB), the project hoped to reduce health inequalities, by improving the physical activity opportunities in the LSOA. Working across the system, and alongside community organisations, the funding helped provide a catalyst to ensure partners could embed interventions in hyper local areas.

A Health and Wellbeing Coach was embedded within the GP Practices of the Epping North Primary Care Network. As Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) had strong relationships with both the PCNs in the district, it allowed them to develop interventions that helped residents manage long term health conditions or used physical activity as a preventative tool.

As a partnership, they established a core cohort of groups that should be targeted through the interventions:

People from lower socio-economic groups
People affected by the cost-of-living crisis
Women and girls
People living with a disability or long-term health condition
Older people
Children and young people
Ethnically diverse communities

453

adults have been seen to over a 6-month period

438

young people seen to over a 6-month period

Through partnership working, and understanding the nuances of each place, EFDC, the Coach and the PCNs have been able to highlight opportunities for residents to engage in already established clubs and sessions through increased marketing and communications.

The Community Engagement Officer at EFDC has been a key individual to connect different parts of the system together through networking events and regular meetings to improve the opportunities and capability of residents engaging in physical activity.

Whether it is combating loneliness and isolation, bringing together the community, providing support to market various opportunities in the local area, or putting in touch different partners to achieve a shared outcome, it has been a great project to be a part of – it shows the power of system working!

Danielle Warnes, Active Essex, West Relationship Manager

The key success to this project has been the ability to bring partners together and forge successful relationships. For example, Special Education Needs Fitness sessions started at Limes Farm, working in partnership with Fit for All and Limes Farm Junior School; a Ladies Dance and Dine session; and bridging a key line of communication between Limes Farm Junior School, the local Community Pantry and Limes Farm Playground community consultation.

The Stakeholder event at Oakwood Hill brought partners together to understand the aspirations from the community and to gain support and ideas to build upon the existing activities and initiatives. It raised awareness with local Councillors and encouraged residents to have their say.

One lady in Oakwood Hill is over 90 years of age and had not been out of her house in 2 years. She attends every week to the Let’s Get Connected sessions, and neighbours ensure she gets there and back.

EFDC Representative