Community Health & Wellbeing

We support several health and wellbeing projects across Oxfordshire, which are working to improve health outcomes, tackle health inequalities, and bridge gaps in healthcare access.  

We also undertake research to map out health inequalities and assets in areas across Oxfordshire.

Take a look at our infographic to see how all our services link back to health.

Well Together

Well Together is a grants programme funded by the Integrated Care Board, which recognises the essential role that community and voluntary organisations play in addressing health inequalities at a local level.

Delivered in partnership with OCVA, Well Together is providing funding and support to community-led health and wellbeing activities across the county. For groups who received a grant in early 2024, activities are now well underway. Take a look at our case studies here:

Well Together is now closed to new Expressions of Interest, but if you are interested in contacting the team, reach out to [email protected]. 

Connected Communities Fund

Now in its third year, the Connected Communities Fund is delivered in partnership with OCVA, with funding from Oxfordshire County Council.

With funding of up to £5000 available per project, the fund is an exciting opportunity for communities to develop and expand activities that helps support older people and adults with additional needs in Oxfordshire to “live well in their community, remaining fit and healthy for as long as possible.”

Connected Communities Fund is now closed to new Expressions of Interest, but if you are interested in reading about some of the projects, take a look here:

Stop Smoking Community Outreach Project

We have teamed up with the Oxfordshire County Council Public Health Team to offer a new service to help people stop smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable ill health and death in the UK, and despite falling rates over the last decade, an estimated 10% of adults in Oxfordshire are smokers. 

We’ve drawn on our experience of community engagement and ABCD to offer ways of reaching people outside of the more traditional approach. Our Outreach Worker is available to give information, advice, and support tailored to people’s needs in their local community. This includes raising awareness of the Stop for Life Oxon service and how to access it. 

Over the coming months we will be visiting local groups, activities and events around the county, working in partnership with local community connectors. Please get in touch if you would like a visit by emailing:  [email protected] 

Community Insight Profiles

Community insight profile are comissioned deep dives into an area to better understand people’s health and connectedness to local services. They try to reach those who are unable to access suitable healthcare and highlight heath inequalities. These profiles are then used to shape the health strategy in an area. 

We recently completed a profile in Bicester, where we talked to local residents about the strengths and assets that support and enable health and wellbeing, the challenges, and what would help to fix these. The views and experiences collected are intended to help develop a better understanding of what local people think about health and wellbeing and how it can be improved. 

Community First has undertaken several similar projects in the last two years for Oxfordshire Public Health, in Littlemore, Banbury, Witney, and Abingdon.

Please get in touch if you are interested in a Community Insight Profile for your area, or find your community insight profile on the council website below.

Healthy Communities  

Whether it’s a community dance class or access to a local nature reserve, our social and physical surroundings influence our wellbeing – medical care, although vital, is one part of a much larger system of health equity.

Placemaking

Placemaking is about creating thriving, healthy and socially active communities, designed and led by the unique characteristics of people and place. We explore local placemaking needs and co-develop projects and plans to meet them.

Community Action

Access to community hubs, social activities, and accessible transport options, all contribute to our social connectedness and overall wellbeing. We offer a range of range of support services for people who are interested in taking part in or running community action projects.

Advocacy & Research 

Sitting on strategic boards like the Cherwell and Oxford Strategic Partnership, Marmot Place Advisory Group and VCSE Health Alliance, we advocate for all communities to influence higher level decision making, delivering research that highlights gaps in healthcare provision and heath inequalities. These profiles are then used to shape the health strategy in an area.