Opinion: The One Northern Devon initiative is important to bring things together

Our business community has long appreciated the need for healthy communities. Most recently, however, events have emphasised how important this issue is. 

Covid was a profound moment for not only the whole of Northern Devon but because of its impact on business activity. 

We are still recovering from this and in many sectors have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels in terms of business turnover and profitability.

As we know, Covid has also changed the way we work. The new style is called hybrid working, which generally means three days at work and the rest working from home. Here again, this has fundamentally shaken up the way businesses operate. 

Another serious consequence of Covid has been the long-term health implications. Many affected were key workers with great skills. Many others were essential parts of those who drive the North Devon economy. Not only have we lost their service but in many cases we have also lost those who are now committed to their long term care. 

To this we can now add the frightening increase in mental health and wellbeing. I have written recently on this matter. It is clear that this is having a deep impact on business turnover and productivity. Never before has it been so important to reinforce connections between our businesses and our communities. 

Hidden in clear sight is an extraordinary network which is One Northern Devon. This initiative is already well established throughout our area, it is not an extension of the health service, rather a group of social prescribers who are dealing on a day to day basis with community, health, environment and, increasingly, economic issues. 

The initiative comprises trained volunteers. The original motivation for this was to bring better and more equitable health and wellbeing to our communities. 

They recognised that health services have only a 10 per cent overall impact on residents health and the people that best understand communities are those that live and work in them, the One Communities bring together local organisations and groups to work on the things that matter to the local community.

One Northern Devon supports the development of the One Communities across Northern Devon (North Devon & Torridge), which now includes six towns, one village and the surrounding areas.

These cross-sector partnerships bring together those involved in prevention and the wider determinants of health and wellbeing (social, economic and environmental factors) to help build safer, fairer, more cohesive and resilient communities.

Using a strengths-based approach, each One Community is supported by a Community Developer and a volunteer Chair to help members:

The One Northern Devon Communities group is the forum where representatives from the One Communities and organisations meet to share information, ideas and discuss common barriers.

Where solutions can’t be found, these are escalated to the One Northern Devon alliance of partners who are:

1. One Atlantic; 2. One Barnstaple; 3. Holsworthy & District Community Forum; 4. One Ilfracombe Ltd; 5. Live Well in Braunton CIC; 6. One South Molton; 7. Torrington 100.

It is perhaps one of the weaknesses of this group that they are not as widely known about and praised as they should be. This initiative is however something the business community needs to get behind. 

Health and wellbeing are a vital part of a productive and stable workforce. Many of the current programmes could include businesses through volunteering and sponsorship. 

The benefits already being received to the local economy is huge. This programme needs to be talked about and needs our support.