London is developing a shared approach to Neighbourhood Health as part of the wider NHS shift towards prevention, community-based care, and improved population health outcomes. This work recognises that current models are under pressure from rising demand, health inequalities, and workforce challenges, and that a more integrated, locally-rooted system is needed.

Two key documents set out both the case for change and how this model will be delivered in practice. Together, they outline a vision for Neighbourhood Health that brings together the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to improve health and wellbeing across London.

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Case for Change

A Neighbourhood Health Service for London: Case for Change

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This document sets out why change is needed. It highlights:

• Deep and persistent health inequalities across London
• Increasing demand across primary, community, and hospital services
• The importance of shifting from treatment to prevention and early intervention
• The critical role of communities and the VCSE sector in improving outcomes

It makes the case that a neighbourhood-based approach, bringing services and support closer to where people live, is essential to creating a sustainable health and care system.

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Target Operating Model (TOM)

A Neighbourhood Health Service for London: Target Operating Model

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The Target Operating Model describes how neighbourhood health will be delivered across London. It sets out:

• The development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs)
• A consistent offer of coordinated care in every neighbourhood
• The role of an ‘Integrator’ function to support delivery, infrastructure and resources
• The importance of partnership working across health, social care, public services and VCSE organisations

It emphasises the need to move upstream - tackling the causes of ill health, not just responding to crisis - and to build a more connected, community-centred system.

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Why this matters for south east London's VCSE sector

These documents recognise that Neighbourhood Health cannot be delivered by the NHS alone. Success depends on strong partnerships with VCSE organisations and communities, whose insight, relationships and local assets are essential to improving health, reducing inequalities, and supporting prevention at scale.

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How this links to Alliance work

Our neighbourhood priority aligns closely with this London-wide direction. We are working to ensure:

• VCSE organisations are central to neighbourhood models
• Local ecosystems are strengthened and sustained
• Prevention and community-led approaches are embedded
• The sector has a meaningful voice in how Neighbourhood Health is designed and delivered

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Learn more about Neighbourhood Health or explore current Alliance work and collaborations.