Neighbourhood Network Schemes (NNS)

What are Neighbourhood Network Schemes?

Neighbourhood Network Schemes (NNS) are funded by Adult Social Care, Birmingham City Council to develop the support people need to lead happy, healthy, independent lives in their own homes and communities. There is a Neighbourhood Network in each of Birmingham’s 10 constituencies, most of which are run by a range of voluntary and community sector organisations.

Each NNS works with community groups, organisations, and local services to develop activities and support people in need to lead happy, health, independent lives. The NNS was initially focused on support for older people, but due to the success of the scheme, it has been extended to include younger adults [aged 18 – 49 years] from April 2022. Each NNS has development workers who build partnerships with local assets as well as with professionals working in the community. A partnership steering group brings together social workers, local assets, and other community-based professionals to oversee this work. All the NNS leads meet regularly to share learning and support each other.

You can find groups and activities here.

What do Neighbourhood Networks do?

Neighbourhood Networks promote and develop partnership working between the Voluntary and Community Sector, Health, Social Care, and other parts of the public sector. They also strengthen and develop community-based support and activities. The overall aim is to improve partnership working to reduce demand on adult social care services such as home support and residential care, whilst at the same time making our neighbourhoods more supportive and inclusive places to live.

Community assets are groups, services, places, and activities which enable citizens to lead happy, independent lives within their own homes and communities. Each NNS has created a community asset map to help citizens and professionals find support. We are also recording how each asset contributes to the following 5 outcomes:

• Improved social participation
• Healthier lifestyles
• Maximised income
• Living independently in their own homes
• Carers feeling more supported

In each of Birmingham’s 10 constituencies the Lead Facilitators manages partnership meetings and networking events with residents, adult social work teams, community organisations and other public sector professionals. They work closely with adult social work teams, and other partners, to identify gaps in the support for people who need it, as well as how best to fill these gaps. The Lead Facilitators can invest in community assets through a small grant scheme managed in each Constituency. Facilitated by BVSC, Birmingham’s 10 NNS' work together to share best practice and resources.