Overview
Locality has compiled this report on behalf of the NHS England People and Communities Directorate.
The formation of “VCSE Alliances” within Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) is an important step in embedding the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector within health systems.
On the back of this, this report seeks to continue NHS England’s focus on addressing barriers and developing a greater understanding of the benefits of embedding the sector by exploring its role in prevention and primary care in neighbourhoods.
It is an important topic – within ICSs, VCSE organisations play arguably their most important role at the neighbourhood level. Their close connection, trust, and understanding of local people and the wider determinants of their health is a vital asset to the work of the NHS to keep people healthy in their communities.
Through a focus on real-life examples across the country, this research focusses on understanding the trends and opportunities in VCSE involvement in prevention and primary care, the benefits produced, and the factors for success.
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