New models of care
Healthy Place Shaping recognises that good health depends on more than healthcare services alone. The support people need to live well is often found within their communities through local relationships, voluntary organisations, community groups, leisure services and neighbourhood networks.
Our approach focuses on prevention, reducing health inequalities and enabling people to remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities for as long as possible. This involves working across health, social care, public health, local government and the voluntary and community sector to create healthier, more resilient places.
The Oxfordshire Way
The Oxfordshire Way is a countywide approach to supporting people to live well and independently within their communities. It brings together public services, voluntary organisations and local communities to build on existing strengths and assets, helping people access the support they need at the right time.
The approach focuses on prevention, community resilience and person-centred support, recognising that strong local networks and thriving communities are fundamental building blocks of health and wellbeing.
By working alongside residents and communities, the Oxfordshire Way helps people remain connected, maintain independence and make the most of the resources available within their neighbourhoods.
Social prescribing
Many factors that influence health and wellbeing cannot be addressed through clinical treatment alone. Social prescribing helps connect people to non-medical sources of support within their local community.
This may include opportunities to:
- increase physical activity
- access nature and green spaces
- improve wellbeing
- reduce loneliness and social isolation
- build social connections
- access practical advice and support
Social prescribing is delivered through Primary Care Networks and local community organisations across Oxfordshire, helping people access support that improves health and wellbeing in ways that matter to them.
For information about local social prescribing services, contact your GP practice.
More information about social prescribing
For information on Oxfordshire social prescribing services ask your GP practice for a referral to their ‘Link worker’.
Resources
Follow our local Facebook pages which will keep you up to date with local activities to support your health and well-being:
- HealthyBicester facebook page for Bicester
- K5 Better together facebook page for Kidlington
Making every contact count
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) encourages people in public-facing roles to use day-to-day conversations as opportunities to support healthier lives.
A brief conversation can help someone to:
- consider positive behaviour changes
- access local support services
- improve their health and wellbeing
- connect with activities in their community
MECC supports a prevention-focused approach by building health and wellbeing conversations into everyday interactions across organisations and communities.
To find out more about MECC training or MECC Train-the-Trainer courses, contact us.
Community Infrastructure and Wellbeing
Strong communities need more than healthcare facilities. A wide range of local assets contribute to health and wellbeing, including:
- community centres
- libraries
- leisure centres
- parks and green spaces
- voluntary and community organisations
- youth services
- cultural and recreational facilities
Healthy Place Shaping seeks to ensure that communities have access to the social infrastructure needed to support connection, belonging, resilience and wellbeing.
By investing in communities and strengthening local assets, we can help create places where people can live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives.