Community health work which is focused on improving health and life-chances and aims to reduce or prevent the likely need of NHS care is within the scope of NHS charities.
This is a developing area of funding for NHS charities, given the increasing emphasis of the NHS on prevention rather than cure.
Projects and initiatives which aim to reduce health inequities will be considered, both within hospital sites and out in the community.
Funded projects challenging health inequalities will:
- Demonstrate how they will tackle community health issues highlighted as a priority in partnership with the trust.
- Demonstrate consideration as to whether the project/activity can be delivered by a third party or external organisation, on a contract basis, rather than directly employing individuals.
Decisions on whether to fund external organisations will involve consideration of whether restrictions need to be imposed on any funding, and the scheduling of funding provided.
Fundable projects will include:
- Community health work which helps NHS patients and serves to aid prevention and improve life chances – for example community groups to support rehabilitation after a stroke
Projects will not be funded if:
- They do not clearly link to the trust’s strategy and priorities in this area.
- They cannot evidence support from key trust personnel as to how this will enhance the work of the trust in this area.
