Northamptonshire Local Area Partnerships and the VCSE Assembly
VCSE Assembly Northamptonshire: Amplifying Community Voices
The Voluntary Community Social Enterprise (VCSE) Assembly Northamptonshire is a dynamic and inclusive network that champions the voices of individuals and organisations engaged in voluntary, community, and social enterprise activities across Northamptonshire. Our core mission is to advocate for positive change, particularly focusing on addressing inequalities and promoting inclusivity by involving those with lived experiences.
How the VCSE Assembly Works
The Assembly operates through several Thematic Groups that bring together individuals and organisations with expertise and a shared interest in specific themes. These groups collaborate to identify challenges and opportunities, working towards effective solutions that benefit communities across the county.
Rural and Sustainable Futures Thematic Group
One of the key thematic groups within the VCSE Assembly is the Rural and Sustainable Futures Thematic. This group focuses on rural affairs and the green agenda, addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities while promoting sustainability.
If you’re interested in joining the Rural and Sustainable Futures Thematic, please email acre@northantsacre.org.uk at Northants ACRE or visit the VCSE Assembly website for information on upcoming meetings and events.
Integrated Care Northamptonshire (ICN): Transforming Health and Care Services
Integrated Care Northamptonshire (ICN) is part of a national initiative aimed at improving health and care services by fostering collaboration between organisations. Established on July 1, 2022, ICN is one of 42 integrated care systems (ICSs) across England, designed to deliver more coordinated and person-centered care.
Understanding the Structure of ICN
To ensure efficient delivery of services, ICN operates through a multi-level structure:
Integrated Care Board (ICB)
The ICB is responsible for developing a strategy to meet the health needs of the population, managing the NHS budget, and ensuring that services are effectively delivered. It replaced the former Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).
Integrated Care Partnership (ICP)
The ICP is a statutory committee formed between the ICB and Northamptonshire’s upper-tier local authorities. It brings together partners concerned with improving care, health, and wellbeing and is responsible for producing an integrated care strategy for the region.
Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs)
HWBs operate below the ICB and ICP, continuing to promote the integration of health, social care, and other essential services. Northamptonshire has two HWBs: one for West Northants and another for North Northants.
Local Area Partnerships (LAPs): Delivering Community-Focused Care
Local Area Partnerships (LAPs) aim to enhance the coordination and delivery of health and care services at the local level. Governed by the HWBs and served by Primary Care Networks (PCNs), LAPs bring together GP practices, NHS community services, local councils, and social care providers to improve outcomes for residents.
How LAPs Work
In West Northants, LAPs are guided by two Health and Wellbeing Forums (HWFs) covering:
- Northampton
- Daventry and South Northants
In North Northants, similar structures exist but are known as Community Wellbeing Forums (CWFs), with four forums serving:
- Corby
- Kettering
- Wellingborough
- East Northants
If you haven’t yet connected with your local LAP, now is the perfect time to get involved and shape the future of health and care services in your area. Engaging with your LAP gives you a voice in the development and delivery of these vital services.
ICN Strategy and APPG Rural Health and Care Inquiry
ICN Strategy
The Integrated Care Northamptonshire Strategy, developed by the ICP, outlines how ICN will meet the county’s health and wellbeing needs. This strategy sets the roadmap for improving care, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that services address the diverse needs of Northamptonshire residents.
APPG Rural Health and Care Inquiry: Recognising Rural Needs
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Health and Care conducted a three-year inquiry, culminating in a report published in February 2022. The inquiry highlighted the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural health services, including:
- Increased pressure on rural healthcare staff
- Staffing shortages and financial challenges for care homes
- Rising migration to rural areas, placing additional strain on services
Get Involved with the VCSE Assembly and LAPs
By engaging with the VCSE Assembly and Local Area Partnerships, you can actively contribute to shaping services that reflect the needs and aspirations of Northamptonshire’s communities. Whether you’re passionate about rural sustainability, health equity, or community development, there’s a place for your voice to be heard.
Contact Us:
Visit the VCSE Assembly website for more details on upcoming meetings and initiatives