The new Neighbourhood Health Framework was published in March 26. It sets out a bold ambition: integrated, community‑based support that prevents problems earlier and removes the fragmentation families experience. We hear every day how this fragmentation impacts families, how people fall through gaps, repeat their stories, or simply don’t get the help they need when it matters most.

One of the most powerful ways Better Start can support areas across the country is through our Community Connectors model. Connectors act as trusted, local bridges between families and services, linking them into maternity, health visiting, early child development support and wider community assets. This is exactly the kind of neighbourhood‑level, relationship‑based working the Framework calls for.

And while Connectors are at the heart of our offer (I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere and NOT talked about them!) they sit alongside a wider suite of co‑designed, evidence‑driven early years services, from perinatal mental health pathways to early communication support. Together, these show what the government’s “left shift” towards prevention looks like in practice. And these are the kinds of approaches that help make integrated neighbourhood working feel real and meaningful for families.

As areas begin shaping their neighbourhood health plans, there’s real value in sharing what’s already working elsewhere. And sometimes it’s the simple stuff that can make the biggest difference…

If you would like to exchange learning or simply have a chat (especially with one these lovely people who are doing the do!), please get in touch.