Community-led health: closing the gap between rhetoric and reality

As Birmingham embraces its bold vision as a Marmot City, this session explores how community-led, place-based action is driving real change in tackling health inequalities. Delivered by Witton Lodge Community Association, Public Health Birmingham and Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust (BCHC) it highlights practical examples of prevention in action, where local insight meets system innovation. The session showcases how the Birmingham Community Action Network (B:CAN) is connecting neighbourhoods across the city, enabling communities to tackle the social determinants of health and close the gap between rhetoric and reality. Discover how health partners can align with this movement by understanding, valuing and investing in community-led models that can be scaled citywide to achieve lasting health equity. As the NHS strengthens its focus on neighbourhood health, this shift towards place-based care underscores the vital role of local organisations, residents, and community partners in improving wellbeing. Together, we’ll explore what system change looks like in practice, what lessons have been learned, and how others can apply Birmingham’s community-led approach.