Stronger Together – What is co-production?
A learning guide from Stronger Together about co-production. It provides an overview of co-production and the benefits of using the approach, with resources and examples provided
Stronger Together – Toolkit user guide
A co-production toolkit from Ageing Better. This toolkit user guide outlines the different tools available for co-producing work in communities and is designed for those completely new to coproduction or those who wish to gain confidence. With different resources available for different audiences, this document outlines what co-production is, the values and principles, who benefits and what topics are covered by the resource library.
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.
Co-producing health & care services toolkit: learning from Common Ambition Bristol
This toolkit was developed through the work of Common Ambition Bristol (CAB), a community powered co-production project.
•The toolkit shares the learning from the first three years of Common Ambition Bristol’s co-production process.
• It will be of use to teams who want to co-produce health service improvement with minoritised communities.
Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership – Annual Report 2024-25
The Somerset VRP Annual Report outlines multi‑agency work to prevent and reduce serious violence through early intervention, data‑led action and community partnership. Key activity includes governance for serious youth violence, Safer Somerset Priorities tactical meetings, police Early Intervention Team work, behaviour‑change education for pupils, town‑centre youth safety programmes, online harm reduction, and commissioning of high‑impact interventions such as A&E navigators, sports mentors and school‑based “teachable moments”. The VRP prioritises knife crime, street‑based violence and sexual violence for 2025–26, with a strong focus on safeguarding, prevention and community safety.
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.
Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner’s Annual Report 2024-25
The 2024–25 Annual Report outlines progress against the Police and Crime Plan’s five priorities: strengthening neighbourhood policing; reducing violent crime (including male violence against women and girls and serious youth violence); preventing crime through partnerships; supporting victims; and improving policing standards. Key achievements include 10,000+ hotspot foot patrol hours, expanded violence‑reduction programmes, improvements in victim services, and enhanced scrutiny, training and community engagement. The report highlights collaboration with local authorities, VCFSE organisations, and national partners to build safer, more confident communities.