Social Health Framework: Moretonhampstead Pilot Project

This project explores how a Social Health Framework can support stronger, more connected approaches to rural youth wellbeing and provision in Devon.

The Social Health Learning Project was initially funded through the Eastern Local Care Partnership to explore the underlying conditions that influence the social health of communities, particularly in relation to loneliness and social isolation, and how knowledge and resources are put to best use to address these challenges.

Phase 1 engaged with over 200 sector representatives in 17 communities and 14 sectors across Eastern Devon through a series of in-depth, community-led consultations. The work identified enabling conditions resulting in the development of a Social Health Framework: a model describing key roles performed by individuals and organisations which, when functioning together support connection, inclusivity and strong community wellbeing. You can read more about Phase 1 of the research here: https://oneeasterndevon.co.uk/social-health-learning-project/

Phase 2 has focused on applying this framework within a real-world, place-based context of Moretonhampstead to understand how it can support practical and pragmatic action to address loneliness and social isolation which contributes to longer-term, sustainable system change. We are specifically testing how a Social Health Framework can support more joined-up, collaborative approaches to rural youth provision and wellbeing.

Ian Blackwell from the Devon Community Foundation (DCF) Insights team will be delivering 2 x co-production workshops bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders involved in rural youth provision. Using the Social Health Framework, participants will explore current challenges facing rural young people, identify gaps and strengths within existing provision, and consider how different skills, experiences, and resources can contribute to more joined-up support.