PEOPLE across Devon are being invited to share their experiences and help shape how health and care services are delivered in their local communities.

The ‘Let’s talk Neighbourhood health’ engagement programme aims to bring together GPs, community and mental health services, social care, voluntary organisations, councils and local people to provide more joined-up support closer to home.

The approach is intended to help people stay healthier for longer, access care earlier and reduce the need for hospital treatment where appropriate. Hospitals will continue to play a vital role in providing urgent, emergency and specialist care.

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Place and Transformation Officer for NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said the programme was an opportunity for people to help shape the future of health and care.

‘Neighbourhood health is about helping more people stay well, providing more care closer to home and making it easier to access joined-up support in our local communities’, he said.

‘We want to hear what is working well and what matters most to you and your community’.

Residents can take part by completing a 15-minute survey, attending a local event, joining a lived experience group or the new Devon People Panel.

Community groups can also hold their own discussions and submit feedback.

The survey is open until October 2.

Anyone unable to complete it online can call Healthwatch on 0800 520 0640 to take part by phone.

Kevin Dixon, Chair of Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said people were ‘the experts in their own experiences of health and care’.

‘Healthwatch is proud to support this programme by helping ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard, including those who may not normally have the opportunity to get involved’, he said.

Health and care leaders across Devon are backing the programme, emphasising that neighbourhood health will depend on organisations working together.

Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said it could help people receive joined-up care closer to home while allowing hospitals to focus on specialist services.

Local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations are also supporting the programme through neighbourhood health events and a new small grants scheme, designed to help groups engage communities whose voices are less often heard.

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, Director of Public Health at Torbay, said neighbourhood health could help address health inequalities and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, added that much of what shapes people’s health happens outside hospitals and GP surgeries, including in homes and communities.

People can also register for official updates and information about further engagement opportunities.