Power in Place: Shaping the future of Rural Health & Wellbeing in Mid Devon

Help to decide what happens next. A free collaborative event for residents and health and wellbeing professionals in Mid Devon. Living in rural Mid Devon can mean longer journeys to health services, fewer choices and potential higher costs for everyday essentials. An estimated 23% of people in Mid Devon are affected by a "poverty premium", where households pay more for goods and services than people with higher incomes. Fewer transport options and limited digital connections add to the challenge. Power in Place, run by Devon Communities Together and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, is working with communities to change that. Since launching in February, we've held six listening events across Mid Devon and spoken with staff and volunteers working in health and wellbeing. We've identified common themes, including strengths and assets, areas for improvement and what's missing. Now we want to show you what we've found, and decide together what happens next. At this event you can: • Hear what we discovered across the district • See the strengths, gaps and needs that emerged • Help shape the next steps through a collaborative session • Enjoy light refreshments and lunch Our work is building towards a model for rural health and wellbeing hubs, based in community assets such as Village Halls, and driven by the communities themselves. Why should I come along? If you live in Mid Devon: Come and hear what's been discovered and what's being done about it. Tell the people who plan and deliver services what is really going on and what is required. Your experience is the expertise we need. If you work in health, care or community support across Mid Devon (NHS, GP surgeries, primary care, local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, health professionals): The insight is now available, and we would like you to use it. Work with us to shape a theory of change, bring a stronger community voice into your practice and strategy, and build a more joined-up, better-informed approach across Mid Devon. What happens on the day? Light refreshments including lunch will be available. An approximate outline of the session is below: • 9.30AM Arrival and refreshments • 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM Welcome, introductions and who we are • 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM Workshop findings, displays and discussions • 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM Theory of Change: What, How and Why • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Round table discussions and interactive session • 12:00 PM - 12.30PM LUNCH BREAK • 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM Morning session feedback and updates • 12:45 PM - 1.30PM What happens next...? AOB and close. Book your free place today! Questions or access needs? Contact the Community Buildings Team on [email protected] or 01392 248919. Thanks to National Lottery players, Power in Place has received £80,000 over one year from The National Lottery Community Fund - the largest community funder in the UK. This truly life-changing funding comes from the first phase of its Community Power Fund – to support underserved communities in England to affect positive change in their local area. To influence the places they live, the services they use, and the decisions that affect them. The insights from this initial funding will shape a much bigger £100 million Community Power Fund.