As Chief Operating Officer of Community Together CIC, I see first-hand the difference that voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations make in Tamworth. From grassroots groups tackling loneliness and food insecurity, to social enterprises creating jobs and skills, this sector is the backbone of community life.

Across the UK, health inequalities and rising pressures on the NHS are driving the need for smarter, more collaborative solutions. One powerful — yet underused — approach is co-locating voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations within NHS estates. From GP surgeries to community hospitals, shared spaces can unlock stronger partnerships, better use of resources, measurable cost savings, and more holistic care for local populations. This blog explores the benefits of co-location, highlights proven models already in action, and sets out why now is the time to scale this approach nationwide.

Every day, across the UK, ordinary people do extraordinary things for their communities. From sharing meals to tackling loneliness, volunteers and local groups are the quiet force holding society together. However, while their impact is huge, the system meant to support them often gets in the way—treating every organisation as if it were the same, limiting flexibility, and stifling innovation. In this blog, we celebrate the power of community and ask: what would change if we truly valued, trusted, and invested in these groups to do what they do best?