When the NHS Long Term Plan talks about “a new service model for the 21st century” it’s hard not to feel seen.

For those of us working in rural Cambridgeshire, that vision – one that prioritises joined-up, preventative support delivered as close to home as possible – isn’t just an aspiration. It’s already at the heart of how our Village Agents and Community Hubs work every day.

Rooted in place, not just in policy

The Long Term Plan promises a shift away from hospitals and crisis intervention toward local, preventative care. That’s exactly what our Village Agents deliver: trusted, hyper-local support in villages that might otherwise be left behind.

When someone in a rural parish feels isolated, is confused about care options or needs help accessing support, they don’t start by calling a national helpline. They speak to their Village Agent. Someone they know. Someone who understands the unique quirks, gaps and strengths of that community.

This is what place-based care really means. Care built around relationships, prevention not reaction, and early help that cuts across traditional service boundaries.

It works and it’s working

Through our community hubs and one-to-one outreach we’re seeing the impact every day. Whether it’s helping someone regain confidence after a fall, supporting a carer to access respite or tackling loneliness before it becomes depression, we’re part of the early intervention landscape that the NHS plan rightly champions.

We reduce demand on GPs. We spot issues before they escalate. We work across sectors. And we don’t wait for referrals. We’re already there.

Community-driven, system-connected

What’s exciting is that national policy is now starting to catch up. The NHS Long Term Plan’s emphasis on integrated neighbourhood teams and stronger links with the voluntary sector shows a real shift. In Cambridgeshire we’re proud to be part of the solution.

We work closely with social prescribers, adult social care, mental health services and local authorities. Our approach bridges the gap between formal care and everyday life. This is vital in rural areas where geography can magnify isolation.

Looking ahead

As the NHS rolls out its plan nationally we’ll keep showing what’s possible locally. But we’ll also be calling for long-term funding, recognition and commissioning models that truly reflect the value of place-based preventative work.

Because if we’re serious about helping people live longer, healthier, more independent lives then we have to start where people are. At home, in their communities, connected to others. And that’s where we’ll be.

 

To find your nearest Community Hub, please visit our hubs listings page. And if you would like to speak to a Village Agent, please contact us via this online referral form. If you’d rather speak to someone directly, please call our Community Wellbeing Manager, Rachel Mason, on 01353 865025