The findings from our DVA Conference 2025 – Connected Approach to Neighbourhoods are now live, published – and already making an impact.
This week, the Derbyshire Times published a feature on our report, shining a light on the powerful message that emerged from the conference:
Derbyshire’s neighbourhoods must be shaped with communities, not just for them.
More than 100 attendees from the NHS, Integrated Care Board (ICB), Public Health, local councils, and VCFSE organisations contributed to this work.
Their voices, insights, lived experience, concerns, and hopes now form one of the most comprehensive accounts of what neighbourhood working needs to be in Derbyshire.
“We can’t do this without community organisations.” — NHS Derby & Derbyshire ICB
“If we keep doing things in silos, we’ll fail. We have to share power.” — DCHS NHS Foundation Trust
“Every GP appointment avoided through community support is a clinical success.” — Royal Primary Care
These are direct, publicly stated commitments from system leaders — and they matter.
Our report has been delivered to key leaders including:
NHS Derby & Derbyshire
Derbyshire Integrated Care Board
Public Health Derbyshire
Derbyshire County Council
Every MP across Derbyshire
CVS and infrastructure partners across the county
This ensures that every key decision-maker, commissioner and leader has the evidence — and the responsibility — to act.
What’s inside the report?
Insightful, emotive quotes from system leaders
Workshop findings from 100+ delegates
Powerful lived experience stories from Pain Inspired and Mindscapes
Clear recommendations for health, care and community partners
A breakdown of barriers, opportunities and cost-saving potential
Real commitments to change, recorded live during the panel
The message is unmistakable:
Invest in communities → strengthen neighbourhoods → improve health → save money.
Where do we go next?
Now that the report is public, we’re asking the question every Derbyshire resident deserves to hear clearly answered:
What happens next? How will partners turn these commitments into real, lasting change? How do we ensure neighbourhood working is shaped from the ground up?
We encourage our partners, communities and stakeholders to read, share and discuss the report widely.
Read the full report here
Read the Derbyshire Times story: https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/community/dva-report-calls-for-communities-to-lead-the-way-5405361
Let’s keep the momentum going.
Let’s keep asking the right questions.
Let’s keep building connected neighbourhoods — together.