National Lottery Community Fund – Asset-Based Community Development Guide
A learning guide for Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), for anyone looking to support others in your community to set up activities using their existing skills, strengths and networks. Especially useful for those working in service delivery or development roles, or those who are part of their local community or have lived experience.
Outlines what ABCD is, examples of how it can be applied, top tips and links to other, relevant learning guides.
The King’s Fund – Understanding Integration: How to Listen to and Learn From People and Communities
Understanding Integration: How to Listen to and Learn From People and Communities is a practical framework that can be used to help support systems listen to and learn from people and communities about their experiences of integrated care. Designed for anyone working within a local health and care system, it is intended to encourage NHS, local authorities and other local partners to work, listen and learn together.
The King’s Fund – Developing Place-based Partnerships
A document from 2021, outlining the 8 principles and implications of place based working, in the context of the emerging Integrated Care Boards (at the time). The document is a practical framework to help partners embed community development with strong links to community cohesion. It emphasises the importance of the lived experiences of people in communities, co-production and place-based delivery. It offers a variety of tools, case studies and prompts that VCFSEs can adapt to improve community outcomes.
Somerset 5 Year Joint Forward Plan refresh (2024-29)
Somerset’s refreshed Joint Forward Plan sets out how the Integrated Care System will deliver the county’s Health and Care Strategy from 2024–2029. It focuses on five priorities: restoring financial sustainability, developing the workforce, improving system flow, strengthening integrated neighbourhood teams, and transforming population health. The plan responds to significant financial pressures, growing demand and inequalities, and places strong emphasis on prevention, partnership with the VCFSE, data-driven decision making and supporting people to live healthier, independent lives.
Bristol, N Somerset & S Gloucestershire Strategic Investments 25/26 and beyond
Somerset can learn from BNSSG’s structured approach to embedding VCSE organisations within the ICS. Key lessons include creating a unified VCSE Alliance to strengthen collective voice; investing in micro and hyperlocal groups through “design for smaller” and grant‑first principles; using VCSE Ambassadors to influence system boards; funding participation through an Inclusion Fund; and adopting a Brokerage Framework to simplify commissioning and widen access. These approaches improve equity, diversify input, strengthen prevention, and build long-term VCSE capacity within the health and care system.
Somerset Council – Council Plan (2023-27)
The Somerset Council Plan 2023–2027 sets out the vision for building a fairer, greener, healthier and more resilient Somerset. It focuses on four priority areas: tackling the climate and ecological emergencies; improving health and wellbeing; reducing inequalities; and strengthening Somerset’s economy and communities. The plan emphasises prevention, community involvement, partnership working, improving access to services, supporting education and skills, enabling sustainable growth, protecting vulnerable residents, and promoting cultural, economic and environmental resilience. It also highlights the role of Local Community Networks, sustainable transport, green technologies, inclusive services, decent housing, and supporting local jobs and opportunities.
Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board Strategic Plan – 2025-28
The Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board Strategic Plan 2025–2028 sets out priorities for protecting adults with care and support needs by improving community engagement, addressing homelessness-related safeguarding risks, strengthening responses to domestic abuse and exploitation (including all‑age exploitation), enhancing transitional safeguarding, and improving the application of the Mental Capacity Act. The plan emphasises co‑production, early intervention, practitioner training, multi‑agency pathways, and partnership working with community groups, third sector organisations, and the Safer Somerset Partnership.
Somerset Children & Young People’s Plan (2024-30)
The Somerset Children and Young People’s Plan (2024–30), shaped by the voices of 6,000 children and young people, sets a shared vision for a safe, child‑friendly Somerset where all young people are happy, healthy and prepared for adulthood. Developed by partners including Education for Life Board, Public Health, Connect Somerset, Safer Somerset Partnership and the ICS Children, Young People & Families Partnership Board, it outlines priorities spanning education, healthy lifestyles, mental health, community safety, relationships and adulthood preparation. For VCFSE groups, it highlights collaboration opportunities, early‑help roles, community‑based support and ways to shape services through youth voice.
Improving Lives Strategy
The Improving Lives Strategy (2019–2028) sets a shared vision for improving health, wellbeing and life chances across Somerset by tackling the wider social determinants of health. Developed by the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board and partners including Somerset County Council, NHS organisations, the historic district councils, Avon & Somerset Constabulary and Healthwatch, it focuses on prevention, fairer life chances, stronger communities and healthier, more independent living. For VCFSE organisations, it outlines partnership roles, opportunities to influence priorities, shape prevention work, strengthen community resilience and collaborate across sectors to support disadvantaged groups and deliver local impact.
Integrated Health & Care Strategy for Somerset 2023-28
The Integrated Health and Care Strategy for Somerset (2023–2028) sets out a shared vision to improve health, reduce inequalities and redesign services through prevention, early support and integrated system working. Developed jointly by Somerset Council, NHS Somerset, the Somerset Integrated Care Partnership and the Somerset Health & Wellbeing Board (with strong involvement from the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector) it positions VCFSE organisations as key partners in shaping neighbourhood‑based care, supporting disadvantaged communities, and strengthening prevention, wellbeing and local engagement.