Well Together is a place-based programme that brings people, communities, and organisations together to strengthen wellbeing from the ground up.
It starts with what matters to local people and works alongside communities to build confidence, connection, and mutual support.
The programme recognises that wellbeing isn’t something delivered to people, but something created collectively. It is grounded in activities, conversations, and relationships that fit everyday life.
The programme is funded by the NHS BOB Integrated Care Board based on an understanding of the essential role that community, voluntary, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations play in addressing health inequalities at a local level. £1.3million has been made available to support activities from grassroots groups and community organisations.
The Well Together team has provided support to ensure this funding is accessible and continues to support funded groups. They help organisations to gather stories and collect data to measure the impact of their activities. They also advise on how to reach a wider audience, develop ongoing collaboration, and signpost to further networks and support.
The diverse work being carried out by community groups across the county and the change they are making is showcased in case studies, stories, and reports produced by the programme team.
Well Together has supported 128 projects and activities provided by new and existing groups and organisations in Oxfordshire. There are 10 priority areas – Abingdon Caldecott, Banbury Neithrop, Banbury Grimsbury, Banbury Ruscote, Barton, Blackbird Leys, Central Oxford, Greater Leys, Littlemore, and Rose Hill.
Funding is used to expand the reach and impact of current projects, or to establish new ones. As well as supporting immediate health and wellbeing needs, the programme aims to address the root causes of preventable health conditions.
Well Together aims to address inequalities identified by the NHS. These include:
The above areas have been selected as having the biggest impact on avoidable mortality, helping to narrow health inequalities.
The Well Together programme is working in partnership with the Community Health Development Officers and existing Community Insight Profile programme of work in the 10 priority areas across Oxfordshire where people are more likely to experience health inequalities.
In addition to the Well Together funding, Community Insight profile grant funding has been made available from Oxfordshire County Council Public Health to the District Councils, to take forward actions based on the outcomes as detailed in the Community Insight reports.
Well Together is delivered in partnership by OCVA and Community First Oxfordshire. The Programme is funded by the NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board.
