Understanding the role shops and supermarkets can play in supporting community health and wellbeing
Today we are sharing the insights and outputs from a two year funded programme Neighbourly Lab embarked on ‘Unlocking the role shops and supermarkets can play in supporting social connection’. This has been a unique opportunity to deepen our work around social connection along with work with the private sector who we see as a key stakeholder in supporting the health and wellbeing in our communities.
From pop up ‘brew and blether’ coffee mornings to health checks in a disused supermarket cafe in Glasgow, slow cooking demonstrations to a job fair in empty supermarket opticians in Birmingham and tested a preventive social prescribing model through health and wellbeing leaflets through a range of convenience stores and local cafes in Bristol and and London.
We are pleased to share a range of outputs:
1. Report: Understanding the role shops and supermarkets can play in supporting community health and wellbeing – an insights report and guide for local services.
What it is:
This report highlights opportunities residents have for finding support and/or social connection via their local shops and supermarkets. Insights from studies and trials have been developed into adaptable ‘models’, with practical guidance on how to mobilise support from these businesses in developing activities to support local communities that can achieve two main goals:
– Helping people access & reach support when they need it.
– Increasing the sense of community & social connection.
Who it’s for:
This report is for a wide audience of policy makers, public, voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) organisations with a remit for action on drivers of and outcomes in health and wellbeing. It can also be read by supermarket sector leaders, local business owners and decision makers to help recognise the range of assets that they can mobilise for better social value whilst also meeting business objectives.
Download here
2. ‘How to guide’ for Public Sector and VCSE Organisations
The opportunity local shops and businesses can play in community health and wellbeing: A How To Guide for public sector teams on working with local businesses to support residents
Download it here
What it is:
We have developed this guide to make it simple and easy for public sector teams to work with local customer facing businesses on the high street, such as convenience stores, cafes, barbers and pharmacies; in order to reach residents with much needed information and support.
Who it’s for:
Public sector, public health and community teams, NHS teams, VCSE organisations.
3. Webinar Recording – Shops, Supermarkets & Social Connection: Understanding Their Role in Reducing Loneliness & supporting community health and wellbeing.
This webinar shared insights from the above reports that was held on the Talking Loneliness Hub. You can watch the webinar back here
4. How to guide for Supermarkets.
Our Space: Opening up your store to support communities: A guide for supermarkets
What it is:A guide for supermarkets to help recognise their assets for the community with steps on how to implement four different community value models in their stores.
Who it’s for:Supermarkets, especially Community Champions, Store Managers and Head office teams.
5. Inspiration Gallery
Inspiration Gallery: The role of shops can have in community connection. Click below to download.
What it is:
A series of inspirational ideas on how to enable information and community connection in supermarkets and shops.
Who it’s for:
Supermarkets, especially Community Champions, Store Managers and Head Office teams.
Special thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this initiative and all of the partners we worked with.