NHS ConfedExpo 2026: The evidence is clear. It’s time to back prevention at scale
Returning from the NHS ConfedExpo in Manchester, our CEO, Sandra Mitchell-Phillips, was struck by how much the conversation around the future of health has evolved since the launch of the NHS 10-year plan a year ago.
“For many years, organisations like Ways to Wellness have been making the case that health is shaped by more than what happens in a GP surgery or hospital setting. We've argued that to improve outcomes, tackle inequalities and build a sustainable healthcare system, we need to address the wider factors that affect people's lives – from loneliness and financial insecurity to housing, employment and confidence.
Turning consensus into action
“This year, that message felt central to the discussion, with prevention, in keeping with the 10-year plan, one of the strongest themes throughout the event was how in earnest we begin the shift from a system focused primarily on treating illness, to one that actively creates health.
“Those of us working in social prescribing and community-based support understand how people's health is influenced by circumstances that sit outside traditional healthcare settings. When someone is struggling with debt, isolation, caring responsibilities or poor housing, their physical and mental wellbeing inevitably suffers. And at Ways to Wellness, we are acutely aware that supporting people to address those challenges is not an alternative to healthcare, but essential to it.
“Prevention has been a recurring theme in health policy for decades, but this year, there was an increasing sense of urgency, as with rising demand and growing financial constraints, there is now recognition that the NHS cannot simply treat its way out of the challenges it faces. Improving population health and preventing avoidable illness is simply an operational necessity.
Neighbourhood health must be built on relationships
“Another major talking point was the welcome emergence of neighbourhood health models – more integrated and locally responsive services designed around the needs of communities rather than organisational boundaries.
“But we are not talking about geographies, or simple structural change. Successful – and sustainable transformation is dependant on the much needed recognition that delivery organisations, particularly those in the VCSE, already have deep-rooted, trust-based relationships within the communities they serve.
“People in these communities cannot by viewed by the system only as passive recipients of support, but as vital, long-term partners in its design and delivery.
The evidence for social prescribing continues to grow
“It was encouraging to see social prescribing being recognised as a strategic component of prevention and population health, rather than a standalone programme operating at the margins of the system.
“At Ways to Wellness, we have spent almost 12 years demonstrating what can happen when people are supported to take greater control of their health and wellbeing. Through personalised support, community connections, and practical interventions, we have supported thousands of people living through a wide variety of health experiences to improve their wellbeing and build greater confidence to manage their health.
“I wasn’t surprised to read in a recent report from the National Academy for Social Prescribing that social prescribing generates an estimated £9 of social value for every £1 invested. At a time when every public service is under pressure to maximise value, that figure deserves attention, confirming that investing in people, relationships and communities delivers returns that extend far beyond healthcare.
“Crucially, it also recognises that health is shaped by social, economic and environmental factors, rather than just lifestyle, genetics, and behaviour.
Innovation must strengthen human connection, not replace it
“Technology and innovation featured heavily in discussions, from artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to digital tools designed to improve access and productivity. And technology will undoubtedly play a huge role in future healthcare. However, one thing I took away from the event is that innovation should never be measured solely by technological advancement, because some of the most transformative interventions remain fundamentally human.
“For many of the people we support, meaningful change happens through trusted conversations, encouragement, practical guidance and connection to their community. Technology can support and enhance those interactions, but it can’t replace them.
Tackling inequity requires genuine partnership
“Health inequity, rightly so, remains a consistent theme as despite years of focus, the gaps in healthy life expectancy between different communities remains stark.
“A long-term commitment to sharing power, resources and decision-making between the NHS, local authorities, housing providers, employers, educational institutions, and community organisations is central to addressing this. Too often, organisations working closest to communities are expected to deliver transformational outcomes through short-term funding arrangements. If we genuinely believe prevention and community-based support are central to health, investment needs to reflect that ambition.
“The big criticism levelled at the 10-year plan this time last year was its lack of detail, so I came away from the conference hoping we are approaching something of an alignment – in the strength of the evidence, the direction of travel in terms of policy, and most importantly, the NHS appetite for partnership.”
