Engagement with our Communities and Neighbourhoods
Creating healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities starts with meaningful public involvement. We are committed to working closely with local people, listening to their experiences, and ensuring that health and care services are shaped by those who know their communities best.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the power of partnership working between residents, the NHS, local government, and the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sectors. Now, we want to build on this progress by deepening collaboration at every level, whether across our wider health and care system, in our four ‘Places,’ or at the most local neighbourhood level.
Public involvement is key to making sure services truly meet the needs of those they support. By taking part in conversations, sharing insights, and working alongside partners, individuals can help address the root causes of poor health and drive long-term, sustainable change.
How you can get involved:
- Join local community discussions and health forums.
- Share your experiences to help shape service improvements.
- Partner with organisations working to improve neighbourhood health.
Banstead Neighbourhood Fund: Strengthening Communities Through Local Grants
In April 2023, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council received £84,100 from Banstead Primary Care Network and Surrey Downs to create the Banstead Neighbourhood Fund. This initiative focuses on supporting local projects that improve community health and wellbeing, addressing significant health challenges faced by residents.
The fund emphasises local engagement, ensuring that grants are accessible and widely promoted within the community. A participation group of local residents actively assessed applications, with final funding decisions made by the Banstead Neighbourhood Board. This approach enabled the funding of 20 local projects, benefiting approximately 2,500 residents in Banstead.
Key areas of impact
The funded projects address various health and social challenges, including:
- Mental health support
- Youth engagement
- Combating loneliness and social isolation
- Support for individuals with vision impairment and life-threatening illnesses
- Physical and mental wellbeing initiatives
- Domestic abuse support services
- Dementia awareness programs
- Children’s fitness and wellbeing
- Bereavement support
- Assistance for veterans and those facing financial hardship
Health and wellbeing in the Cranleigh area
In January 2025, the Cranleigh Villages Group organised a Health and Wellbeing community event aimed at fostering collaboration among local communities, health providers, and voluntary organisations.
The event featured participation from the Guildford & Waverley Alliance and other health representatives from the Guildford & Waverley Growing System Leaders Programme.
Jenny Hartnoll, a Consultant in Social Prescribing, discussed the Community Connector model from Frome, Somerset. She encouraged local exploration of implementing a similar model, followed by round-table discussions on embedding Community Connectors in the area. A Connector Toolkit was introduced to assist in training local citizens interested in becoming Community Connectors.
The East Waverley Primary Care Network and Voluntary Action South West Surrey shared insights on the impact of social prescribing, including a case study that highlighted the positive effects on a client’s life.
Thank you for everything you have done for me. I really appreciate everything. You showed me the light when I was in the dark. You have been a godsend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A heartfelt quote from the client expressed gratitude for the support received
Guildford & Waverley Alliance presented on the concept of neighbourhood health and the significance of integrated teamwork within neighbourhoods. They invited attendees to share their thoughts on what good neighbourhood health means to the community. Additionally, residents of Alfold shared their positive approach of focusing on strengths within their community facilities and opportunities for collaboration.
Dorking Hospital Community Garden
The community has come together in Dorking to transform the Community Hospital Garden into a beautiful space for staff, patients and their visitors to enjoy.
The Grow Together – Share Together project is dedicated to transforming the garden at Dorking Community Hospital into a vibrant, inclusive space for all generations and cultures. This initiative fosters connection and community through nature, conversation, and shared experiences.
The garden is about connecting – Growing Together – Sharing Together. Our vision is to create a therapeutic outdoor space where patients, families, and staff can recharge and reconnect with nature. The garden will promote mental and physical well-being while fostering conversations about health and sustainability.
Simon Littlefield, project co-leader
The redesigned garden will act as a hub for intergenerational and cross-cultural engagement. Key activities planned for the garden include:
- Sharing stories: Providing a relaxed setting for conversations and memory-sharing.
- Growing food: Encouraging collaboration while learning about nature and sustainability.
- Building connections: Bringing children and older adults together to create a sense of belonging.
- Therapeutic spaces: Supporting patient rehabilitation by offering a calming outdoor environment.
Key benefits
The initiative is expected to yield several benefits, including:
- Supporting patient rehabilitation and holistic recovery.
- Creating opportunities for lifelong learning and education, especially for children.
- Offering a space for staff to relax, unwind, and recharge.
- Inspiring other communities to adopt similar green initiatives.
Laura Price, co-leader of the project, highlights the broader impact of the garden, stating it serves as a model for other communities. By integrating green spaces, the project aligns with national efforts to promote environmental awareness and health education.
Horley Community Health and Wellbeing
Horley Health and Wellbeing Network has made significant strides in improving health and wellbeing in local communities over the past year through various collaborative projects.
These initiatives focus on inclusivity, digital access, and community engagement such as projects covering inclusive exercise classes, digital inclusion support, children's play facilities, men in sheds and more.
Pulling Together programme in Surrey Downs
Across Surrey Downs, health and care needs are changing. People are living longer in poorer health, with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and dementia, while behaviours increase the risk of preventable disease.
Ensuring we meet the needs and wishes of the people who live here, by evolving the services we provide is a key ambition for our teams, and to do that, we are pulling our teams together to support the work in the form of our 'Pulling Together' programme.
South Tandridge community projects
The South Tandridge Health and Wellbeing Network has been actively engaging with local communities over the past year to address health and wellbeing concerns.
Key initiatives include support for veterans, a Community Repair and Recycling Shed in Hurst Green, and Park Play sessions for all ages. Other community-driven projects focus on providing private breastfeeding spaces, enhancing support for volunteers, establishing a memory café for dementia care, and creating LGBTQIA+ groups for people with disabilities, all aimed at fostering connection and wellbeing within the community.