The NHS in Southampton is working together with Saints Foundation, the community/voluntary sector and the local authority to create 'Integrated Neighbourhood Hubs' in four locations across the city. The hubs bring together key services to support people to age well and live stronger, healthier lives in the community.
As we begin to implement the vision set out in the government’s new ten-year plan for the NHS here in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, local partners are already working together to place a renewed focus on neighbourhood health, prevention and bringing care closer to communities.
In Southampton, an innovative partnership is laying the groundwork for a new model of prevention rooted in collaboration and community connection. At the heart of this transformation is a unique alliance between the NHS, Southampton City Council, the Saints Foundation (the charitable arm of Southampton Football Club), and the voluntary and community sector. Together, they are developing Integrated Neighbourhood Hubs: accessible, welcoming spaces that bring vital services directly to older residents in their communities.
Building on success: the Senior Saints project and Integrated Neighbourhood Hubs
At the heart of the new neighbourhood hubs is the Senior Saints project, a well-established and successful initiative run by Saints Foundation and supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. Designed to promote physical activity and social engagement among older people, the programme has become a trusted and valued part of life for many in Southampton.
Paul Hedges, Health Projects Manager at Saints Foundation, said: "Senior Saints supports people to get physically active and connected to their communities. We aim to provide a space for people to connect with others while benefitting from structured physical activity sessions with our amazing team. This is helping people to manage long term health conditions and remain healthy and independent as they get older.”
Since March, the Senior Saints Project has transformed its offer, working collaboratively with the local NHS and other partners to develop four neighbourhood hubs, integrating health and wellbeing services with a physical activity offer. The hubs are currently located at:
• Test Park Sports Ground, Lower Brownhill Road
• Thornhill Baptist Church, Thornhill Park Road
• YMCA Newtown, Graham Road
• Saint Patricks Church, Portsmouth Road
These hubs are more than just activity centres, they are community anchors. Each one provides access to a range of services from a broad and growing range of partners that includes GP practices through social prescribing and well-being coaches, local community organisations like Age UK Southampton, Unpaid Carers and many more. Importantly, the hubs are free to access, located in familiar and accessible community settings, and designed to be welcoming and inclusive.
Andrew Smith, Primary Care Development Team Manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Strong partnerships are vital to the delivery of this project. There is huge appetite within the NHS and among our partners to work differently to deliver shifts towards prevention and community that we need to see as part of the new ten year health plan. We’re determined to continue to build on the initial success of this work to expand the services available at the hubs and increase our reach into communities.”
Caring for an aging population and tackling frailty
Southampton, like the rest of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the UK, is experiencing a demographic shift. Our population is ageing and healthy life expectancy is worsening. Cardiac related conditions (cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes, stroke and chronic kidney disease) are now the leading cause of preventable ill health and death in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
This presents a challenge for health and care services, which must evolve to meet changing needs. An integrated, preventative and proactive approach to care is essential to enable people to live healthier, more independent lives. Earlier this year teams working across health and care in Hampshire and Isle of Wight came together to agree our joint approach to this challenge. You can watch a short video highlighting the outcomes from the day below.
Robin Poole, Consultant in Public Health at Southampton City Council, said: “Staying physically active and socially connected to the people around you are two of the fundamental pillars of healthy ageing. In Southampton we’re harnessing the strengths of partners across the voluntary sector, the NHS and the local authority to support people to live stronger, healthier lives and stay independent for longer.”
Prevention takes centre stage
The Integrated Neighbourhood Hubs in Southampton are a proactive response to the challenges we face as a health and care system. By focusing on early intervention, prevention, and community-based support, they aim to improve quality of life for older residents whilst reducing pressure on health services.
This initiative is not just about delivering services, it’s about co-creating the future of care with local communities. By working closely with residents, voluntary organisations, and frontline staff, the partnership is thinking differently about how we can provide models that support integration and collaboration, ensuring that the hubs reflect the real needs and aspirations of the people they serve.
And while the work is still in its early stages, the foundations being laid in Southampton offer inspiration for what can be achieved by bringing local partners together.
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “There is great innovative work going on in Southampton to support people to age well and live strong, independent lives. To deliver the new ten year health plan we will build on the strengths of partnerships like this, supporting teams to work together with local people to deliver community-based prevention and health services closer to home.”
If you’re working in or with health and care in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight we’ve set up a space on our website to share learning, resources and best practice to guide our joint approach to tackling frailty and cardiovascular disease. Visit the working together for ‘Stronger Lives’ section of our website to find out more.