Community Health and Wellbeing Workers: Supporting our Local Community

We are excited to introduce the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker (CHWW) model to Barton and Wood Farm, as part of a new pilot project aimed at transforming primary care delivery. Inspired by a successful model first established in Brazil and piloted in London, we’re bringing this approach to our local community to enhance health and wellbeing for hundreds of households.

The CHWW model 

The CHWW model is a community-based approach that puts local support workers at the heart of primary care. These workers are dedicated to knowing each family in their area, making regular visits to homes, and providing personalised, non-clinical support. By building strong relationships and understanding residents’ needs, CHWWs help improve access to healthcare, promote healthy lifestyles, and address social and emotional wellbeing.

How can the CHWWs help you?

Our CHWWs can:

• Discuss mental health and connect you to additional support.
• Support chronic disease management by offering advice on lifestyle changes.
• Help you navigate health and social services—whether it’s finding housing support or accessing benefits.
• Promote health screenings and immunisations, ensuring you get the right care at the right time.
• Simply be a listening ear, providing emotional support and understanding.

Why this model matters

The CHWW model was first developed in Brazil in the 1990s as the Family Health Strategy, and it now involves over 250,000 CHWWs, making it the largest community-based primary care system in the world. By regularly visiting residents, CHWWs are described as the “eyes and ears of GPs in the community,” helping deliver healthcare that is proactive, hyperlocal, and truly integrated into everyday life.

Bringing the CHWW model to Oxford

The first pilot in the UK began in London’s Churchill Gardens estate, and early results showed significant improvements in mental and physical health. Inspired by this success, we’re excited to bring the model to Barton and Wood Farm. Our Oxford pilot aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and the community, reducing health inequalities, improving access, and helping residents lead healthier lives.

What to expect

Our team will be reaching out directly to households through door-to-door visits, community events, phone calls, and letters. We want to engage with you, understand your needs, and offer tailored support that addresses not just medical conditions, but the wider determinants of health—such as housing, employment, and social connections.

If you’re based in Barton or Wood Farm and think you or your family might benefit from this service, please get in touch with us using the details below. We look forward to working together to make our community healthier, happier, and more connected.