Cornwall is leading the way in transforming healthcare delivery, with the highest number of Community Health and Wellbeing Workers (CHWW) in the country recognised.
A collaboration between the NHS and the voluntary sector, this innovative initiative is rapidly becoming a model for tackling health inequalities and improving wellbeing for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.
Currently, nearly 60 CHWWs are embedded across Cornwall, working directly in nine local areas and supporting approximately 600 people from 530 households. This number continues to grow month by month, with the program’s impact expanding further in 2025.
The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) has led the development of the CHWW programme nationally and has played a pivotal role in development and implementation, working in partnership with local care systems across the country.
CHWWs are part of the 30-year-old Brazilian family health strategy where 70% of the population can access support. The CHWW model is not just about healthcare – it’s about building relationships, fostering trust, and helping people navigate the complex web of health, housing, and social care services.
Many of the workers are recruited from the local communities they serve, offering personalised, one-on-one support to individuals and families who often face barriers in accessing traditional services.
The initiative has been designed to address some of the most pressing health inequalities in Cornwall, with teams located in areas of historically lower uptake of cancer screenings and vaccinations, and higher levels of long-term health conditions that require frequent access to NHS services.
These same areas also face significant financial hardship, and the CHWWs are working tirelessly to ensure residents receive the care and support they need to live healthier, longer lives.
“This is a groundbreaking initiative that puts people at the heart of their own care” said Kate Shields, Chief Executive of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, who are funding the five year programme: “By having locally based teams who live and work in the same communities, we’re able to offer support tailored to the unique challenges each person faces.
“Whether it’s assistance with navigating health services, providing housing advice, or simply being a listening ear, our CHWWs are making a real difference and it’s thanks to their hard work that this initiative is proving so successful from our initial findings.”
Integral to the local Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, CHWWs are fostering collaboration between the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary sector, ensuring a joined-up approach to community health.
This collective effort is already yielding impressive results, with early local data showing significant improvements in health outcomes and greater equity for residents who have historically been underserved by traditional healthcare models.
John Govett, Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, added: “Emerging findings from these ICB funded, third sector based, face-to-face visits made by our local people working as CHWWs sourced from within their own communities, are showing marked improvements in local people’s wellbeing.
“An example of how these CHWW interventions are providing life-changing support comes from those individuals supported often not needing to attend A&E acute services or require further mental health support, which also reduces the pressure on our hospitals and NHS staff.”
Through constant adaptation and improvement, the initiative is responding to local needs, with each team taking a personalised approach to health and wellbeing.
CHWWs help residents with everything from understanding eligibility for health screenings to offering support with social determinants such as housing and finances. Their development is ongoing, with continuous training in areas ranging from coaching and wellbeing to navigating the complexities of NHS services.
In addition to offering essential advice and direct support, the CHWW teams also run bespoke local activities aimed at promoting health and preventing ill-health.
They work closely with local GP practices, voluntary organisations, and other community groups to ensure that no one is left behind in their wellbeing journey.
In conclusion, meanwhile, Julie Pollard, Operational Team Manager of the Cornwall Community Health and Wellbeing Workers, Volunteer Cornwall, said: “The impact Community Health and Wellbeing Workers are having in our communities is amazing. Our skilled and passionate teams are making a huge difference to residents’ lives.”
For the residents of Cornwall, the biggest concerns remain financial hardship, housing instability, loneliness, and mental health challenges. The CHWW initiative is addressing these issues head-on, ensuring that the support is there when it’s needed most.
As national media attention continues to grow, Cornwall’s model is poised to become a beacon of how community-led healthcare can effectively tackle social and health inequalities, improving the lives of countless people and creating lasting, positive change.
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