I recently had the opportunity to take part in PPL’s Neighbourhood Health simulation at the NHS Providers Conference in Manchester. It was a creative and ambitious exercise designed to explore what neighbourhood working could look like in practice.

Over two days, the simulation brought together 16 ‘residents’ and more than 60 services from across the VCSE, local councils, and the NHS. We operated within a lively simulated community complete with schools, health centres, coffee shops, and local hubs. The aim was to test how services and communities might work together to support people more effectively at a neighbourhood level.

The simulation created a safe and dynamic space to experience what it feels like to navigate local service systems. It really highlighted the dedication of those working across health, care, and community sectors, while also revealing the complexity and challenge of connecting multiple systems that often operate differently.

Early on, it became clear that services can sometimes become siloed: shaped by narrow roles, mismatched criteria for accessing support, decisions being made about people without their involvement, and an over-reliance on digital referrals. All of this can make it difficult for people to experience joined up support.

These insights were incredibly valuable in thinking about how neighbourhood working could evolve, particularly around simplifying processes, strengthening communication, and ensuring people’s voices remain at the centre with continuity of support.

The simulation also sparked rich discussion about what Neighbourhood Health teams might look like in the future. It was clear that neighbourhood working offers a powerful opportunity to move beyond thematic or condition-based approaches and towards something more relational and community-focused.

Many participants recognised the importance of roles that understand people’s lives and aspirations, build trust over time, and stay connected to local networks and strengths. These principles are at the heart of Local Area Coordination, and they will be vital in shaping neighbourhood teams that truly reflect how people live and connect in real communities.

I also had the chance to meet Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, during the event. We talked about how community-based, generalist roles like Local Area Coordination will need to play a fundamental role in emerging neighbourhood health systems.

Tom Richards,
Local Area Coordination Network Manager