The first event of its kind brought together colleagues from health, social care, and the voluntary sector who work in the Hounslow Health locality to strengthen relationships and share ideas on how to work more collaboratively across services.
The event was designed to build connections between frontline practitioners, including those from the NHS, Hounslow Council, and importantly, the voluntary and community sector (VCSE) organisations, to support more integrated, neighbourhood-based care for residents.
- Local VCSE partners, including EACH Counselling and the Hounslow Respiratory Group
- Updates on the Hounslow Care Together Test and Learn project
- Hounslow Council’s Resident Experience and Localities programme.
Mark Blomfield, Senior Joint Commissioning Manager – Preventative Services & Supported Housing, said:
“We organised this event to build stronger relationships between frontline colleagues across health, the council, and the wonderful voluntary sector, because integration starts with people knowing and trusting each other.
“There was a great energy in the room and a real willingness to connect and collaborate. People were sharing contact details, learning about services they didn’t know existed, and already identifying opportunities to work together more effectively.
“These new relationships will make a tangible difference, helping teams to pick up the phone, discuss a client together, reduce failed referrals, and make better use of the fantastic support offered by our local VCSE partners.”
Based on this success, a proposal will go to the Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT) Board recommending that these network events take place regularly in each locality.
The aim is to continue building collaboration at place level and a strong focus on peer connection.