Community organisations in Oxfordshire are to have an exciting new way of gaining direct access to the county’s decision-makers in health and social care.

The Oxfordshire Wellbeing Network will see local organisations get direct access to members of the county’s Health and Wellbeing Board. The network’s first meeting will take place on Monday, November  18 at the Kassam Stadium and Conference Centre, with the theme ‘What are the challenges to staying healthy in your community?’

Invitations have been sent to a wide variety of groups, including housing, health, faith, residents’ associations, village and parish councils, Patient Participation Groups, neighbourhood support, caring, self-help groups, and luncheon clubs.

The event is being organised by Healthwatch Oxfordshire, together  with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Oxfordshire County Council  and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Groups attending will have the opportunity to:

• Have their say
• Join the conversation
• Be heard.

There will also be guest speakers and a discussion about what is being done to tackle the challenges many people face in achieving  good  health and wellbeing.

Rosalind Pearce, Executive Director of Healthwatch Oxfordshire, said: “Oxfordshire Wellbeing Network is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to have their voice heard by the people who shape their health and care services.  We are particularly keen for local groups who do not get the chance to be heard by decision makers to be involved in the Network, either by attending the event or by contacting us directly.

“The Network will be the start of a conversation between local groups and local decision makers from the Oxfordshire Health and Wellbeing Board, including the NHS and local government.”

Groups wanting to take part can obtain more information, including how to register at https://healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk/what-we-do/oxfordshire-wellbeing-network/

There is also a brief survey for groups to complete at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/3MVAY/