The world around us shapes our health and the wellbeing of our communities.
These are the building blocks of health.
Things like:
- homes that are warm and safe
- stable jobs and social connections
- clean air and green spaces
- access to good food that is affordable
When we don’t have the things we need, and are constantly worrying about making ends meet, it puts a strain on our bodies. This can result in increased stress, high blood pressure, and a weaker immune system.
People are dying 10 years earlier than they should in our least well-off communities. This is the result of these strains.
It doesn’t have to be like this. Organisations across West Wales are working together to support people to live healthy, happy lives in strong, supportive communities. Living in strong, supportive communities protects our health and wellbeing. Organisations in West Wales have committed to working with communities to support strong building blocks for health.
Our shared goals and how we meet them
No single organisation can support all our health and well-being needs. They can’t do it without our help either.
Organisations work with communities to understand:
What is working well (this is an asset and strengths-based approach)
What is important to people living in communities (this is a person or community-based approach). This helps organisations to understand what needs to change.
By listening to individuals and communities, organisations can make services more effective.
In Pembrokeshire, the Social Model for Health and Wellbeing is supported across many partners. PAVS' Community Connectors, supported by Pembrokeshire Community Hub, deliver a service that helps people navigate the network of projects, groups and initiatives that support wellbeing, as well as highlighting activities in people's local area. This guidance enables people to find the right support first time and, introduces options they may not have considered suitable for them.
