Typing a postcode into a new online platform will instantly map the community health services—from exercise classes to blood pressure checks—available within a person’s neighbourhood. This matters because the UK’s ageing population is growing fast. Ten years ago, 54% of people over 65 had two or more health conditions; by 2035, that figure could reach 67.8%. Yet many of the community organisations that offer free or low-cost health education, screening, and social support remain invisible to the people who need them. There are more than 130,000 such organisations in England, and nearly three-quarters of the smallest ones operate only locally. Without a way to find them, these resources go unused. If the platform succeeds, it could turn a fragmented patchwork of local charities and volunteer groups into a coherent, accessible safety net. For an older person managing multiple conditions, the platform would mean a single search replaces hours of phone calls or online digging. For the health system, connecting people to community-based prevention could reduce hospital admissions and ease pressure on public finances. The research is applied and practical: it builds a digital tool to solve a real-world navigation problem.
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Life expectancy in the UK has improved significantly over the past decades. However, this significant medical and societal achievement is now proving to be one of the biggest challenges of our time. The rise in the elderly population, if not supported by health improvements in the form of prevention and early health interventions, will place significant pressures on the health and social care system, and will further strain public finances. Ten years ago, 54% of people aged over 65 had 2 or more health conditions. By 2035, this percentage could increase to 67.8%. Living with multiple health conditions leads to increased health and social care needs, hospital admissions and readmissions, and a lower quality of life. Early interventions are urgently needed to support active and disease-free ageing, empower people to lead independent lives, maintain brain health and reduce loneliness. The World Health Organisation emphasises that supporting healthy ageing requires considerations of the individual as well as their environment. Research evidence also highlight the positive impact of community support programmes and connecting people to local groups and charities on people’s health, independence and wellbeing. There is so much on offer at the doorstep of people at risk of ill health. Community organisations in neighbourhoods, particularly deprived ones, are offering services to address the social determinants of health and improve people’s lives. Many are also offering health education, screening and prevention interventions, often for free, for people within their locality. Yet, information on these organisations and what they offer is hard to come by. These community resources remain unharnessed despite their potential to support people to live healthier and feel better. We aim to develop an online platform that connects people with community organisations around them that provide health and social care services. As soon as the user types in their post code, they will identify the community organisations, within their locality, providing health and social care support and services related to the social determinants of health. Data from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations suggests that there are more than 130,000 community organisations in England. Smaller organisations mainly operate in their local area. Almost 75% of micro (income less than £10,000) and 72% of small organisations (income between £10,000 and £100,000) operate only on a local level. This highlights the untapped resources within neighbourhoods and the value of a platform that identifies and connects them with people within these neighbourhoods. Building a health and care safety net and a platform that connects people with health and social care providers within their immediate community and beyond will support people to manage common complaints of aging, to live well with physical and cognitive impairment, and to create and maintain social connections within their communities.
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