Cornwall’s Community Gateway saves NHS millions while boosting local wellbeing
The health initiative connects residents to early support, reducing NHS demand
A health initiative in Cornwall, known as the Community Gateway and Hub Network, has reduced NHS expenses while improving the wellbeing of local residents, reveals an independent evaluation by Helpforce.
The programme, a collaborative effort between the NHS, Cornwall Council, and the voluntary sector, has saved the NHS an estimated £11.6 million within a year by reducing the strain on GP practices, emergency departments, and ambulance services. It connects people to vital support earlier and closer to home, resulting in personal benefits including heightened happiness, reduced loneliness, and increased confidence in managing health.
Aisling Crombie from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB highlighted the programme’s impact on residents, stating it aids individuals in maintaining their health and independence while minimising reliance on front-line NHS services.
The expansive network, comprising over 50 community hubs, provides local support for various issues such as mental health, healthy eating, falls prevention, and more. A 7-day Community Gateway phone line further assists by directing individuals to appropriate health, care, or voluntary sector support.
From April 2024 to March 2025, recorded interactions at hubs reached 339,951 attendances, with the Gateway supporting 54,814 contacts and developing 5,274 personalised support plans, alongside 2,287 healthcare referrals. Helpforce's analysis found substantial savings, highlighting that without these hubs, a considerable portion of attendees would have resorted to NHS services.
Amerjit Chohan, CEO of Helpforce, emphasised the model’s beneficial impact on individuals and NHS savings, asserting that such initiatives must be sustained and expanded to meet the NHS's future health plans.
Helpforce’s evaluation underscored the wellbeing outcomes achieved: 93% of users experienced improved moods and 88% felt less isolated, showcasing the initiative’s success in delivering effective neighbourhood-based health care solutions.