Abstract Introduction
Public Health England (PHE) carried out a consultation exercise with its People's Panel, a group of approximately 1000 lay members who participate in engagement exercises with the organisation. The aim of the consultation, part of a wider whole systems community-centred health project, was to explore what lay members think the public health system can do to put communities at the heart of public health.MethodAn online survey was designed by PHE. Questions covered demographics and five open questions. Members of the panel were invited to complete the survey. Data were coded and analysed thematically by researchers from Leeds Beckett University and illustrative quotes were reported.
Results
In total, 342 respondents completed the survey (female, 70.5%; 55 years or over, 66.6%). Respondents reported that public sector organisations could support communities and encourage involvement by: understanding local needs and priorities; raising awareness of existing provision as well as providing inclusive activities and better infrastructure. Factors considered to get in the way of or weaken community strengths and vitality included: austerity; disengagement; social isolation; political will; no ‘heart' to the community; poor communication; and crime and anti-social behaviour.
Conclusion
For the health system to put communities at the heart of public health, lay members feel more ‘local thinking' surrounding co-production and shared decision making is needed. Improvements to information sharing within the health system and the promotion of the social model of health are suggested. This exercise provides useful evidence on public voice that can be applied in place-based working. External funding details PHE