Reflecting on career supporting community-led health

This article from Julie Fox explores her significant contribution to community-led health and the development of Annexe Communities in Partick as she begins her retirement. Everyone here at CHEX would like to say a hearty congratulations on all of her work, and best wishes for the future.

In 2004, I stepped into my role as manager at The Annexe, also known as Partick Healthy Living Centre. We were part of a pioneering group of 44 Scottish organisations, all funded by the National Lottery's "Healthy Living Centre" programme, dedicated to improving health and wellbeing in disadvantaged communities. Our shared belief in the social model of health drove us to prevent ill health and promote healthier lives.

A major challenge for all of us was securing sustainable core funding beyond the initial lottery grant. This led to a pivotal moment in 2006. Inspired by our Northern Irish counterparts, we formally united, forming the Scottish Healthy Living Centre Alliance, later becoming Scottish Communities for Health and Wellbeing. With support from organisations like CHEX and the Scottish Community Development Centre, we built a strong case for our vital work.
 
Our relentless lobbying of local and national government, culminating in two meetings in 2008/9 with then Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon, secured £5 million in transitional funding. This lifeline allowed many healthy living centres to continue their crucial work, and some, like The Annexe, successfully negotiated longer-term agreements. This security enabled The Annexe to diversify, secure grants, and generate its own income, ensuring its continued operation for the Partick community. Fast forward to 2024/25, The Annexe has now secured funding for community ownership and sustainable energy solutions!
 
Today, Scottish Communities for Health and Wellbeing has grown significantly, now encompassing 84 community-led health projects across Scotland. We're forging partnerships with universities for community health research, and our consortium model helps local projects access national resources. Our recent four-year UK lottery-funded initiative with Northern Ireland healthy living centres focused on developing social prescribing – a testament to our ongoing commitment. We continue to champion community-led health, persistently lobbying for core funding to empower communities nationwide.

Julie Fox, Annexe Communities (now retired)