Annual Director of Public Health Report 2026 recommendations
Recommendations: Sustaining community power
One of Wandsworth’s greatest assets is, and has always been, its people. Throughout this report, we have seen residents, community leaders, community groups, and partners shaping a healthier, fairer borough with energy, creativity, and determination. Across People, Place, Prevention, Policy, and Partnership, a powerful truth emerges when communities lead, systems become more responsive, inequalities narrow, and health and wellbeing improve for everyone.
Trusted voluntary sector organisations are driving prevention, activating neighbourhoods, shaping policy, and working alongside statutory partners as equal contributors to health transformation. Their cultural insight, lived experience, and deep-rooted relationships are not additions to the system - they are the foundation of services that truly work. The evidence presented here shows that community-led action is essential to achieving the ambitions of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Health and Care Plan, and the council’s Prevention Framework.
This collective progress is something to celebrate. It demonstrates what is possible when Wandsworth’s communities are supported to lead, innovate, and shape the future. To build on this momentum, partners must continue to commit to a long-term approach that strengthens community power, embeds co-production, and ensures that the voluntary and community sector has the stability and recognition it needs to continue driving change.
Recommendations for the future:
Invest in community leadership:
Provide long-term support for community-led initiatives that champion equality, safety, and wellbeing. Strong leadership within communities ensures that change continues to be driven by those closest to local needs.
Strengthen culturally tailored services:
Resource programmes that address cultural, language and structural barriers, ensuring services are inclusive, trusted, and accessible to all communities.
Empower grassroots champions:
Support local health champions, ambassadors, and volunteers with training, recognition, and sustainable funding so they can inspire prevention and healthier living across diverse neighbourhoods and communities.
Embed co‑production in policy and planning:
Ensure residents lived experiences shape statutory decision‑making by resourcing community groups to participate meaningfully in consultations, regeneration planning, and health service design.
Provide sustainable financial support:
Move beyond short‑term grants to multi‑year funding models that give voluntary organisations stability, enabling them to plan strategically, retain skilled staff, and innovate with confidence.
Leverage private sector resources:
Voluntary sector organisations and community groups have indicated they welcome contributions from businesses. Encourage businesses to share expertise, provide sponsorship, and offer facilities in partnership with VCS organisations and community groups to expand opportunities and strengthen local wellbeing of residents.
Harness academic partnerships:
Collaborate with universities and research institutions to evaluate impact, share evidence, and co‑design new interventions, strengthening credibility and embedding learning across sectors.
Wandsworth’s future health and wellbeing will be shaped by the strength of its partnerships and the power of its communities. By embracing these recommendations, statutory organisations, voluntary and community sector organisations, and community leaders can continue building a borough where every resident has the opportunity to thrive—and where community power remains a driving force behind a healthier, fairer Wandsworth.
Thank you
Thank you to the residents, community groups, and voluntary and community sector organisations whose insight and commitment have shaped this report. Your leadership and lived experience are the foundation of the progress celebrated here.
Thank you to Dami Gbadebo for producing this report; Dr Ramya Ravindrane and Kate Jennings for their support and contributions and to the team at Hey Hi Hello for the design of the report.
We are also grateful to colleagues across the council, the NHS, and wider partners for their collaboration and shared dedication to prevention, equity, and community-led change.
A selection of useful links to the strategies, frameworks, and resources referenced throughout this report is provided below for anyone wishing to explore this work further.
Together, we continue to build a Wandsworth where every resident can thrive.
Resources
Voluntary Sector Strategy IVAR Women's Health Conference Wandsworth Moves Together Strategy Wandsworth Health & Care Plan 2025 -2027 Wandsworth prevention Framework pdf Wandsworth Sexual and Reproductive Health strategy 2025 - 2030 Healthy Minds: A cross council Public Mental Health Action Plan 2026-2030 Share Community Elays Network Rackets Cubed Enable Leisure and Culture Live Karma Yoga NHS SWL ICB Wandsworth Care Alliance Mushkil Aasaan
For any enquiries relating to this report contact PublicHealth@wandsworth.gov.uk