Rural Health & Wellbeing – Partner Briefing and Engagement Session
Rural Health & Wellbeing – Partner Briefing and Engagement Session
About this session
Voice It Hear It (VIHI) is carrying out a programme of engagement on behalf of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care System and Wiltshire Council to better understand the experiences of people living in rural communities with long-term conditions.
We are inviting organisations, groups, and community networks who support these residents to join a short session to hear more about the work and explore how you can get involved.
Why this matters
People living in rural areas often face unique challenges in managing their health — including access to services, transport, and staying connected to support.
This work is focused on ensuring those real-life experiences are heard and used to shape how services and support are designed in the future.
What we are exploring
We are looking to understand:
- How people manage their condition day-to-day
- What support works well — including health services, community groups, and informal support
- Where things feel difficult, delayed, or disconnected
- What helps people stay well — and what makes this harder
- What happens when support is not available or breaks down
What to expect from this session
- A short overview of the engagement programme
- Who we are hoping to reach and why
- Ways your organisation or group can get involved
- Options to host a conversation, support outreach, or share insights
- Opportunity to ask questions and shape the approach
Why attend
- Help ensure the voices of people in rural communities are heard
- Influence how health and care services understand real-life experiences
- Explore flexible ways to be involved that work for your organisation
- Be part of shaping future support and services across Wiltshire
Who should attend
- Community groups and organisations supporting people with long-term conditions
- Rural networks, village groups, and local initiatives
- Any organisation working with or connected to rural residents
If you would like to find out more or get in contact directly please email: voice@communityfirst.org or visit our website: communityfirst.org.uk/voice/