by Karen Loftus, CAN Chief Executive
Across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, we’re at a crucial moment for shaping the future of health and wellbeing. The draft Health and Wellbeing Board Strategy sets out a bold and necessary ambition: to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities and build stronger, more connected communities.
You can have your say on the strategy by going to Project: Health and Wellbeing Strategy | BCP Council
From our perspective, what’s most encouraging is that it recognises something we’ve long known: good health begins in communities, not just in clinical settings. From housing and employment to social connection, access to green space and early help, the strategy acknowledges the wider factors that shape people’s lives. And importantly, it places collaboration at its core. Solutions must be developed with communities, not delivered to them.
At Community Action Network (CAN), we’re proud to represent the voluntary and community sector at the Health and Wellbeing Board. This ensures grassroots insight, lived experience and the perspectives of local organisations are not just heard but actively shape strategic decisions. Our role is to make sure community voices, often those least heard, are influencing priorities that affect real lives.
The strategy’s emphasis on prevention also reflects the everyday reality of local organisations. Prevention doesn’t begin in hospitals or council offices. It happens in community centres, neighbourhood groups, cafes, parks and faith settings where people find connection, advice, trust and support. Across the sector, groups are already tackling isolation, supporting mental health, promoting physical activity, providing advice on housing and employment, and offering culturally trusted support to marginalised communities. This is the foundation upon which effective prevention is built.
CAN is committed to strengthening the voluntary and community sector so this crucial work can thrive. Through capacity building, safeguarding support, volunteering infrastructure, guidance and facilitation, we help hundreds of groups to deliver meaningful impact every day.
The draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out a compelling vision. But it cannot be realised by statutory services alone. Community Action Network and the wider voluntary sector are not peripheral partners. We are essential enablers of its success, and with shared purpose and genuine collaboration, we can build a healthier, fairer and more resilient Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
