New Neighbourhood Health Programme

Sefton has been officially named as one of the first areas in England to lead the rollout of the NHS’s new Neighbourhood Health Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming how health and care services are delivered in local communities. 

Backed by £10 million in national funding shared across all 43 sites, the programme aims to develop integrated neighbourhood health systems that bring care closer to home, particularly for people living with multiple long-term conditions. 

Strong track record 

Sefton’s selection as a pioneer reflects its strong track record of partnership working and innovation in community-based care. The successful application to be part of the first wave includes: 

• Moving health care from hospital to the community, so that GPs working with acute hospitals and Council Locality Teams can support people to address wider determinants of health such as access to housing, leisure and community support 

• Community nurses and social workers working with GPs to identify those who need support and care early 

• Better access to healthcare for children and young people with teams wrapped around schools 

• A focus on people who need more support to manage their complex health and social care needs such as those with severe and enduring mental health issues. 

The programme is a key part of the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, which aims to shift care from hospitals to communities, move from analogue to digital services, and focus on prevention rather than treatment. 

Proud to be chosen as a pioneer

Councillor Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
“We are proud that Sefton has been chosen as a pioneer in the Neighbourhood Health Programme. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to improving health outcomes for our residents. 

“Through this programme, we will accelerate the development of neighbourhood-based care models that respond to the diverse needs of our communities—from supporting frail older adults to improving mental health services for young people. 

“Our goal is to make care more accessible, more personalised, and more effective—right where people live.” 

Testament to our strength

Cathy Elliott, Chief Executive of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: 
“I am delighted that health and care partners in Sefton are among the first to receive neighbourhood health ‘pioneer’ status.  

“This is testament to the strength of the relationships between local health and care providers and our collective commitment to develop models of neighbourhood health which better support the communities we serve. 

“We look forward to supporting Sefton and St Helens to lead the way in the development of neighbourhood health and will work with partners across Cheshire and Merseyside to ensure all learning and best practice is shared.” 

Residents in Sefton can expect to see more joined-up services delivered in their local neighbourhoods, with health and care teams—including GPs, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and voluntary sector partners—working together to provide tailored support.

Collaboration and integrated working

Sefton Place Director Deborah Butcher said:
“Sefton Council and Cheshire and Merseyside ICB and our partners have an excellent track record of collaboration and integrated working – the opportunity to be a pioneer site for Neighbourhood health gives us an opportunity to be a improve access to health and social care for those who need it in our communities.” 

The programme will initially focus on areas with higher levels of deprivation and will help reduce health inequalities by improving access, experience, and outcomes.