Newham Neighbourhoods are changing, with the Voluntary Sector in the lead.

Big changes are taking shape in Newham, which will create a big impact for the voluntary sector, as they take the lead.

Through Pride in Place, Little Ilford East will benefit from £20 million over 10 years, with a clear focus on resident-led priorities, stronger communities and neighbourhood improvement. At the same time, the NHS is moving further towards neighbourhood health, with local systems expected to develop stronger neighbourhood plans centred on prevention, early help and more joined-up working.

That is encouraging. It reflects something the voluntary sector has understood for years: if you want better outcomes, you have to work with the people and organisations closest to the community.

As more influence is being pushed down to neighbourhood level, the more voluntary organisations need to know where decisions are being shaped, who is leading on those decisions, and how to take part. Otherwise, the same thing happens: decisions are made first, and community organisations are invited in later.

Here at Compost London we wish to share a simple message: Stay close to the change. Join the relevant cross-sector groups. Build relationships with neighbourhood managers and local system leads. Ask what is being planned, what the priorities are, and how residents and grassroots organisations will be involved.

In line with some of the changes to the NHS, Compost London has been delivering a Community of Practice over the last three months, funded by NEL Health Equity and the NEL VCFSE Collaborative, supported by Tower Hamlets CVS. The programme is designed to help VCFSE organisations working in health and social care make sense of a changing landscape and explore how the sector can respond to three big shifts: hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention.

As mentioned, this work is being delivered with partners including NEL Health Equity Academy, NEL ICB, the NEL VCFSE Collaborative, Tower Hamlets CVS and Newham Council. It is about helping the sector stay informed, share intelligence, and understand how emerging neighbourhood structures may shape future partnership, commissioning, and influence.

There is real opportunity here. More neighbourhood working could lead to stronger partnerships, better local influence and greater recognition of the role voluntary organisations already play in reducing health inequalities and supporting communities every day.

So please make contact, become informed and involved. Join the conversations. Ask direct questions. Make sure your organisation understands what is changing and where it fits.

To find out more about the Community of Practice, contact info@compostlondon.org.uk, nelvcse@thcvs.org or nelondonicb.newhamhcp@nhs.net.

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