Conclusion

We live, grow, and develop in neighbourhoods. 

The factors that enable us to thrive at every stage of our lives are grounded in our communities, where we learn, where we work and where we live.  In this report we have shared recommendations around maximising the opportunities and the value of communities and statutory partners working together differently, in a neighbourhood context. 

When the organisations working in our neighbourhoods align their actions around shared goals, and do so in partnership with the community, we are more likely to succeed, economically, socially and in enjoying better physical and mental health.  For organisations in the statutory sector, developing a deep understanding of, and partnership with, neighbourhoods has benefits in both the reach and the impact of the services they can offer, and in the outcomes they can enable.

Over the long term, it is possible to see a real and positive impact on the effectiveness of statutory services, delivering better health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals and at the same time delivering better value for money for taxpayers. Even in the short term, there are already examples of economic and social benefits and not least of transformed lives in some of our most disadvantaged communities.

Developing and maintaining impactful neighbourhood working requires a different approach to change. Partners and collaborators need to develop an adaptive model that responds to learning and emerging needs, is rooted in a deep understanding of the local context, is willing to take risks and is not afraid to cede the initiative and leadership to others.