11. West Somerset Neighbourhood Team

Connect Somerset Champion Paul Matcham shares how a new focus group is helping to support young people in West Somerset.

We hosted a multi-agency event at Minehead Eye which was attended by over 50 professionals, facilitating networking between those who hadn’t previously collaborated.

By getting members of health and education sectors, including health coaches, village agents, and voluntary organisations, school counsellors and nurses to work together, it fuelled conversations and collaborative working that will help to reduce issues for young children and families, including low children’s school attendance.

Minehead Eye and the Connect Somerset Champion Paul have facilitated collaboration, improved access to services, and supported community health and well-being. Both have been invaluable partners in promoting health and well-being across West Somerset.

From a PCN Health perspective, this collaboration has enhanced our ability to reach vulnerable populations who might otherwise be disengaged from traditional healthcare services. It has allowed us to work more closely with local stakeholders and education to improve patient outcomes, especially for our young population and reduce health inequalities, and empower individuals to take control of their own health.

By fostering collaborative partnerships, they’ve enabled the delivery of joint initiatives such as our children’s and young people health coach. These efforts have directly supported the health goals of the PCN, addressing key areas like prevention, early intervention, and mental health support. This collaboration has been essential in improving service integration, ensuring that individuals within the West Somerset community can access a more holistic approach to care. It has led to stronger relationships between healthcare professionals, community groups, education and patients, fostering a more inclusive and supportive health environment.

Minehead Eye’s role in providing a welcoming and accessible environment for our health coaches to consult from has significantly improved access to health-related services for the local population, in a way that de-medicalises and puts the onus onto the patient for taking control of their health and wellbeing. The aim is to not only help individuals but also help reduce pressure on healthcare services by supporting preventative health measures.

Through our partnership, we have seen an increase in local residents engaging with health screenings, preventive care, and mental health services. This aligns with the PCN’s objectives of reducing demand for urgent care and improving long-term health outcomes by focusing on prevention and early detection. As local healthcare services become increasingly stretched, initiatives led by neighbourhood partners ensure that there are ongoing, community-based resources available for long-term health improvement. This helps alleviate pressure on primary care services, fostering better long-term health outcomes.

I personally find Paul to be an incredibly positive and engaging individual, always bringing energy and enthusiasm to every collaboration. He is not afraid to speak up when he disagrees, which adds value to our discussions and ensures that all perspectives are considered. I highly value his extensive local experience and expertise in the sector, which has been crucial in driving positive change.