We are encouraged by the levels of engagement with Well Together, the 2-year funding programme of £1m, from the NHS to reduce health inequalities in ten priority wards across Oxfordshire, with accompanying capacity building.

The Well Together team have hosted free drop-in events in many of the wards over the last month or so, and have met with representatives of community-based organisations, groups and individual residents over a cuppa and biscuits, to offer more information about the Well Together programme of grants and support, and to discuss ideas they have.

We have met hundreds of people and heard about great ideas for running activities that strengthen health and wellbeing within the priority wards. Together we have been discussing the best approach that meets the funding criteria, the needs of the groups and local residents, as well as ensures sustainability.

The Well Together team are keen to foster collaboration between groups and organisations. The events have also been useful for local groups, residents, Councillors, and others to meet each other. Many have spoken about new collaborations with others that they have met at these events. For example, one group of residents and their local Councillor met at one of the drop-in events and agreed to set up a Residents Association together, which they are now working on! The power of community-led action.

We have had a wealth of expressions of interest from across the wards. The first tranche of Well Together funding will be released in spring, and the rest of the funding will be released at different points throughout the year. We continue to welcome expressions of interest from organisations and groups for the Well Together programme.

More information about the Well Together Programme of grants and support is available here: https://www.communityfirstoxon.org/community-action-and-volunteering/well-together-programme/