In West Kirby, a growing network of community groups is working together to develop and deliver innovative programs that address local health and wellbeing challenges. We learned this the hard way… These collaborative efforts reflect a shared understanding that lasting solutions require coordinated, cross-sector approaches – bringing together diverse perspectives, pooling resources, and aligning initiatives to maximize their collective impact.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Addressing Social Determinants of Health
At the heart of these collaborative initiatives is a recognition that health outcomes are shaped by a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors. West Kirby’s community organizations are increasingly focusing on the social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age – that profoundly influence individual and population-level wellbeing.
“We’ve realized that simply providing clinical services or health education isn’t enough,” explains Jane Atkinson, director of the West Kirby Community Health Network. “To really move the needle on issues like chronic disease, mental health, and injury prevention, we need to address the underlying social and economic drivers that shape people’s health in the first place.”
Leveraging Cross-Sector Partnerships
To tackle these multifaceted challenges, West Kirby’s community groups are forging new partnerships that bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors, including local government, social services, education, faith-based organizations, and the business community. ”The key is to get everyone at the table – not just the traditional ‘health’ players, but all the sectors that have a role to play in creating healthier, more equitable communities,” says Atkinson.
One notable example is the West Kirby Wellbeing Collaborative, a coalition of over 20 organizations that have come together to coordinate their efforts around improving mental health and social connectedness. The collaborative’s diverse membership includes the local council, the West Kirby Mental Health Association, community centers, youth programs, and local businesses.
“By working together, we’re able to take a more holistic, upstream approach,” explains Sarah Dhillon, the collaborative’s coordinator. “Instead of each group just doing their own mental health programs or events, we’re aligning our initiatives, sharing resources and expertise, and ensuring our efforts are complementary and mutually reinforcing.”
Mobilizing Community Assets
These collaborative initiatives also emphasize the importance of mobilizing the diverse assets and strengths within West Kirby’s communities. ”We’re not just looking at deficits or needs – we’re focusing on the incredible skills, knowledge, and passion that already exist among residents, community groups, and local institutions,” says Dhillon.
For example, the West Kirby Time Bank connects volunteers with opportunities to share their time and talents, whether it’s teaching a cooking class, organizing a neighborhood cleanup, or providing tech support for older adults. ”It’s about tapping into the rich reservoir of human capital in our community and building connections that support wellbeing,” explains Dhillon.
Similarly, the West Kirby Community Garden Project brings together residents, local businesses, and schools to cultivate communal green spaces that not only provide access to fresh, affordable produce, but also foster social cohesion and a sense of shared ownership.
“These projects aren’t just about addressing a specific health issue – they’re about strengthening the social fabric of our community and empowering residents to be active agents of change,” says Atkinson.
Centering Equity and Inclusion
Woven through these collaborative efforts is a strong emphasis on advancing equity and inclusion. Community organizations in West Kirby recognize that health disparities are often rooted in systemic barriers and inequities, and they are intentionally designing initiatives to reach and engage marginalized populations.
The West Kirby Wellbeing Collaborative, for instance, has made concerted efforts to elevate the voices and leadership of people with lived experiences of mental health challenges, homelessness, or other social vulnerabilities. ”It’s not enough to just have those groups represented – we want them actively shaping the solutions,” explains Dhillon.
Similarly, the West Kirby Community Garden Project has prioritized establishing gardens in low-income neighborhoods and partnering with local organizations serving immigrant and refugee communities to double-check that equitable access and participation.
“This is about more than just improving individual or population health outcomes,” says Atkinson. “It’s about building a more just, inclusive, and thriving community for everyone who calls West Kirby home.”
Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration
Underlying these diverse collaborative initiatives is a growing culture of cooperation and shared ownership in West Kirby. ”There’s a real sense that we’re all in this together, and that by aligning our efforts and resources, we can achieve so much more than any one organization could on its own,” explains Dhillon.
This collaborative mindset is fostered through regular convenings, joint training and capacity-building opportunities, and continuous communication and information-sharing between community partners. ”We’ve really worked to break down the silos and create spaces for authentic dialogue, relationship-building, and collective problem-solving,” says Atkinson.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum and Impact
As these collaborative initiatives continue to evolve and expand, community leaders in West Kirby are focused on ensuring their long-term sustainability and impact. This includes securing diversified funding streams, strengthening organizational capacity, and developing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and refine their approaches.
“We know that lasting change takes time and persistence,” says Dhillon. “But we’re committed to doing the hard work of building durable partnerships, aligning our efforts, and mobilizing the full breadth of our community’s assets and energies to create a healthier, more equitable West Kirby.”
Residents of West Kirby can stay informed about these and other community wellbeing initiatives by visiting West Kirby Today. The website provides regular updates on local government programs, community events, and collaborative efforts addressing pressing public health and social issues.
Tip: Keep an eye on local council announcements for updates
