A UK-wide network for people responsible for anchor approaches in health

The need

Anchor institutions are large public sector organisations which are rooted in place and connected to their communities, such as universities, local authorities, and hospitals. Anchors have significant assets and spending power and can consciously use these resources to benefit communities.

Organisations such as the NHS, local councils, businesses education institutions can use its their resources, influence and work in partnership to maximise social, economic and environmental impact. They can work as ‘health anchors’ to improve the social determinants of health, health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.

The aims

Practical and relevant sharing and learning is at the heart of the network – and HALN provides a range of opportunities for participants to:

• engage with peers to learn from each other’s diverse experiences;
• develop skills and learn from experts from health and care and other sectors;
• connect with other existing relevant geographic or thematic NHS networks;
• create innovative practices and establish collaborations; and
• problem solve together.

By working together, the network:

• supports anchors at the heart of local partnerships to develop their capacity and capability to maximise the economic, social and environmental impact
• grows the evidence base about the role and impact of anchors
• scales the work of anchors across the UK
• supports  innovation and informs policy change.

The approach

Whether participants are new to anchor initiatives or have been delivering anchor work for a while, HALN listens to their needs to creates activities including:

• Events: webinars and interactive workshops with experts in health and care and other sectors, and for participants to share experience and learning with each other
• Learning set: a series of sessions with small peer groups to share ideas on a specific topic
• Online discussion forum: connecting people who share interests and can offer advice and support
• Resources: a crowdsourced library of reports, toolkits and information about anchor work
• Blogs: featuring ideas and thought leadership from anchor experts.
• Learning Pathways: a free, online, self-facilitated learning programme

The network is delivered by Innovation Unit. It was originally funded by the Health Foundation and NHS England and NHS Improvement and continues to receive funding from the Health Foundation.