Highlights from the recent Health and Social Care Network

Attendees had the opportunity to connect and share with other groups working in health and social care in Brighton and Hove. 

The event was delivered in collaboration with the Sussex VCSE Leaders Alliance (SVLA), highlighting the shared commitment to reducing health inequalities through cross-sector engagement.

Speakers and topics included:

• NHS Commissioning Intentions from Jess Sumner, CEO of Community Works
• Health Counts findings from Chas Walker, Joint Programme Director Integrated Service Transformation, Brighton & Hove City Council and NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board (Brighton & Hove)
• the latest Index of Multiple Deprivation measures and using Local Insight from Ella Chitalu, Public Health Intelligence Specialist, Brighton & Hove City Council
• Public Health plans for the Winter from Chas Walker and Sarah Podmore, Health Promotion Specialist, Brighton & Hove City Council
• ideas to collectively support people and communities through the winter, and what else may be needed in Brighton & Hove.

Useful resources from the event:

• Health Countsis a health and wellbeing survey conducted once every decade in Brighton and Hove to inform policy. It provides important evidence of health inequalities in parts of the city and faced by particular groups.
• Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), the JSNA provides insight into the current and future health and wellbeing needs of people living in Brighton & Hove and is a key resource for local planning and decision-making.
• Winter Readiness Padlet, use the Padlet to capture how we collectively support people and communities through the winter, and to note any additional needs identified across Brighton & Hove. Insights gathered will be shared with public sector partners to help inform local planning and coordination and will also feed into Community Works’ Winter Readiness web resource. Please feel free to add your ideas and observations.
• Information about the Cost-of-Living Community Event taking place 26 November 2025

About the Health and Social Care Network

We host the Health and Social Care Network for Community Works members to come together around issues that matter to them. We aim to create an inclusive and friendly space at all networks and are committed to equality and diversity. The Health and Social Care Network:

• Involves and informs

• Strengthens coordination and leadership within the Voluntary and Community Sector in relation to health and social care.

• Offers clear routes for engagement, development and strategic thinking between statutory providers/commissioners and the sector.

• Provides opportunities to develop collaboration and work in partnership with NHS Sussex, City Council, and others.

For more information and to join the Health and Social Care Network please contact: Magda Pasiut: magda@communityworks.org.uk