AN innovative project to support local people facing health inequalities in Cornwall has become a finalist for a prestigious national Health Service Journal Award.

The Community Health and Wellbeing Worker model is a collaboration between the NHS and the voluntary sector. Each worker supports 120 households monthly, becoming a trusted member of the community. They listen to people of all ages, then use their coaching, information, advice and guidance skills to support them in addressing their concerns.

In the first year in Cornwall, the initial team of 10 knocked on 1,753 doors in Newquay, St Austell, Falmouth, Penryn and Truro, and worked with 381 people. The top three issues people needed support with were money, mental health issues and housing.

The model has since expanded into Bodmin, Redruth, Camborne, Pool and Illogan, and has 43 team members. New teams will support people in Penzance and Liskeard later this year.

Community partners include Volunteer Cornwall, CHAOS Group, Dracaena Centre, St Austell Healthcare, Newquay Orchard, Storehouse Newquay, Cornwall Neighbourhoods For Change, Transformation CPR, KBSK Performing Arts and Bodmin Way.

The Community Health and Wellbeing Worker model is based on a successful model that has been running in Brazil for 30 years, and has shown remarkable improvements in population health and equity.

Help can include access to benefits, housing and general wellbeing, health promotion and ill-health prevention including vaccination. Workers have close links with GP practices and a range of other local organisations.

The competition entry was submitted jointly by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board and Healthcare Central London, in the category Primary and Community Care Innovation of the Year.

John Govett, chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said: “I am so very proud of our Community Health and Wellbeing Workers and the team that have worked so hard to recruit, train and support them.

“They live and work in local communities and truly understand them, which enables them to help overcome the inequalities. We’re helping shift the front door of primary care into the community.”

The overall winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on November 21, 2024.