A final report: COPD Community connectors
- Healthwatch Southend
- Dec 31, 2025
- 2 min read
The COPD Community Connectors have released their final report and it shows the impact, progress and achievements of the programme.
The aim was to tackle health inequalities for people living with long-term respiratory conditions in Southend.
The programme was funded by NHS England and delivered by SAVS and Healthwatch Southend, local groups including active life and breathe easy Southend who also played an important part. These groups worked closely with residents to build the Community Connectors team.
What the programme did
The programme helped us understand what everyday life is like for people with COPD, including how they find support and what helps them stay healthy.
It also gave people a chance to share what is working well and what needs to improve.
Community Connectors spoke with local residents, health services and decision-makers. This helped shape future services, so they better meet people’s needs.
The work followed the Core20PLUS Framework and took place in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford. The focus was on listening to the community and working together.
Connectors also learned new skills through training and coaching.
Key take-aways
The report shares insights to help local organisations improve their services.
By understanding people’s real experiences, organisations can make better decisions, raise awareness where it is needed, and help people feel confident to speak up about their health.
The work helps bridge the gap between health services and the communities they serve. This supports the NHS’s long-term plan to bring more healthcare into local neighbourhoods.
You can still tell us your experience of local health and social care services in Southend and help shape these services around the people.
Contact us at info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk or tel. 01702 416320
Click to view the full report and learn more about the COPD community connectors work:
Other helpful links:
Information about NHS Mid & South Essex' provision of pulmonary rehabilitation services can be found via the link below.
Breathe Easy Southend is a support group meeting monthly for people with a long term respiratory condition. Please note the next session is on 4th February 2026
Comments