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The work began with an examination of data across Worcestershire’s neighbourhoods. The analysis zoomed into the fine detail, comparing hundreds of small areas between around 1500 and 3000 people (Lower Super Output Areas). Statistical process control analyses were used to find neighbourhoods with significantly higher rates (+3 SD) of emergency hospital admissions, lower healthy life expectancy, and greater social challenges compared to the County average.

The PND Programme then set out to tackle these inequalities by focusing resources, partnership working, and community engagement in the areas where need is greatest. This is being done in a way that avoids stigma, harnessing and amplifying local people’s pride in their communities.

Towards that aim, the programme focuses on local strengths much more than it focuses on problems. Working in place-based partnerships involving local residents. The work is supported by the local Public Health Team in collaboration with other local authority colleagues and NHS partners. However, it’s local people who are in control.

These working groups are given access to grant funding and the decision-making power to co-design and deliver projects that matter most to their community. As such, it’s not just money that is invested, but also trust and the power to make things happen.

The PND certainly creates a positive buzz in neighbourhoods. Local resident-led projects, such as nature trails, youth engagement schemes, parent support groups and school initiatives have fostered pride and participation.

That’s not all, the first PND initiative in the Westlands led to a 7% reduction in emergency hospital admissions (against a 5% rise across the County) and a 13% decrease in Children in Need social care referrals. There were also measurable improvements in mental health and social isolation. The work won the LGC Public Health Award in 2025, with local residents (rather than professionals) receiving the award at a ceremony in London.

The PND programme has secured ongoing investment from housing providers, health partners, and local businesses. It is now a core element of Worcestershire’s Neighbourhood Health Strategy, with similar work expanding to other Priority Neighbourhoods across the County.

Work is already well underway in Redditch, which has more Priority Neighbourhoods than any other district in Worcestershire. Significant funding has already been agreed, with local residents and community groups drawing up plans to make it work. Their key priorities include young people’s well-being and family support. This will be backed by Pride in Place funding over the next few years.

Other areas are also coming on board, producing a constant stream of innovative work. From cycling and boxing clubs to parent support groups and community hubs, it’s all being delivered by the community for the community.

All we need to do is invest the funds, as well as some trust, and get out their way while they make the magic happen.

There is a place-based partnership for Sherrard’s Green. 

If you would like to join the partnership or find out more, please email: spryce@worcestershire.gov.uk 

There are currently place-based partnerships for Woodrow and Winyates although further work is developing across the other Redditch areas. 

If you would like to join a partnership or find out more, please email: CKingston1@worcestershire.gov.uk 

If you would like to know more about Priority Neighbourhood Development work in this area, please email: otoye@worcestershire.gov.uk 

If you would like to know more about Priority Neighbourhood Development work in this area, please email: CKingston1@worcestershire.gov.uk 

There are place-based partnerships for Foley Park and the Walshes. If you would like to join a partnership or find out more, please email: CKingston1@worcestershire.gov.uk