Islanders invited to help shape the future of health, wellbeing and care on the Isles of Scilly

People across the Isles of Scilly are being invited to help shape the future of local health, wellbeing and care services through a series of drop‑in sessions, workshops and community visits taking place on Tuesday 19 May, Wednesday 20 May and Thursday 21 May.

Teams from the NHS, Council and local health and care partners are running a series of different events on St Mary’s and the off‑islands to listen to local experiences, share plans and gather ideas to inform future services as part of the Neighbourhood Health programme.

The engagement follows on from the building of the Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership, centred around a new integrated model of care to support the needs of the island communities and future-proof services for years to come.

Dr John Garman, Neighbourhood Health Clinical Director for the Isles of Scilly said:

“Island life brings many strengths but also unique health challenges. Hearing directly from residents – including children, young people, carers and people with lived experience – is essential if we are to continue improving care in a way that truly works for our communities.”

Cllr Avril Mumford, Lead Member for Adults, Council of the Isles of Scilly said:

“I encourage everyone on Scilly to take this opportunity to meet with the Neighbourhood Health team at these engagement events. Whether you have experience of accessing health services from the islands for years, or you have only just arrived here and would like to share your more recent experience, your feedback is important as we work to build a complete picture of the challenges our community faces in the realities of island life.

“Officers and Members of the Council will be in attendance to listen to as many people as possible. We want to make sure everyone’s experiences and views are captured by the Neighbourhood Health team, so if you can’t make it to one of the engagement sessions across the islands, please make sure you complete their online survey.”

Libby Ryan-Davies, Chief Strategic Planning and Commissioning Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said:

“I’m really looking forward to meeting local people as part of our important visit to shape future health and care services that reflect the realities and needs of living on Scilly.

“These sessions are about listening to local voices, understanding what matters most, and continuing to design services that are easier to access, closer to home and better connected.”

Juliet Ferris, Place Director for the Isles of Scilly said:

“This visit is about being visible, accessible and open to conversation. Whether people choose to drop in for a chat, take part in a workshop or invite us into a community group, every contribution will help influence how services develop in the years ahead.”

Who can get involved

All islanders are welcome to take part. This includes:

• local residents and workers on all islands
• families, carers and older residents
• community and voluntary organisations
• schools, youth groups, and children and young people’s organisations

We know there’s a variety of smaller networks already working together to support people’s health and wellbeing on the islands – whether that’s through a formal group or neighbourly care. We encourage people representing these groups to come along so the community voice is heard.

There are multiple ways to take part, including informal drop‑ins, workshops, one‑to‑one conversations and online sessions.

Community groups and organisations are encouraged to get in touch by email to ciosicb.engagement@nhs.net if they would like:

• the neighbourhood team to visit their group or setting, or
• an interactive, creative health and wellbeing session delivered for children and young people during 19 to 21 May.

Have your say

Alongside the events, islanders can also complete a printed or online survey (due to launch from Wednesday 20 May) to share their views on topics that will be discussed during the visits, such as:

• staying healthy and well on the islands
• planned care and transport
• cancer care experiences
• access to local health and wellbeing services and support
• how health, care and community organisations can work better together

All feedback will be shared with local health and care leaders and used to help shape future plans for the Isles of Scilly.

Find out more and book

See full details of events, workshops and the online session — including how to book workshop places (with drop‑ins also available).