CHWWs Programme in Numbers
32
Sites with CHWWs
200
CHWWs Nationally
NAPC’s nationally recognised CHWW programme brings trusted local residents into paid roles supporting 120–150 households each, delivering prevention, early intervention and stronger community connections.
The programme provides strategic leadership, implementation support and a platform for national collaboration. We work closely with local systems to embed the CHWW model effectively, ensuring alignment with wider health and care priorities. Through training, resources and ongoing networking, NAPC equips CHWWs and the managers who support them with the tools they need to build trust, reduce inequalities and activate communities from within. By capturing and sharing insights nationally, we help shape policy and scale the programme sustainably.
What are CHWWs?
Community Health and Wellbeing Workers (CHWWs) are trusted local residents employed to work hyper‑locally, visiting every household in their patch monthly. They build relationships, identify needs early, and connect people to the right support before issues escalate.
They are:
- Proactive: knocking on every door
- Preventative: spotting risks early
- Personalised: supporting what matters to each household
- Integrated: working across health, care and community sectors
The model is adapted for the UK from the internationally successful Brazilian approach.
Joining NAPC’s Community of Practice gives sites a complete support package that makes adopting and delivering the CHWW model straightforward, consistent and high‑impact.
Join our Community of PracticeThe four core principles (CHUI)
CHWWs are recruited for character — empathy, cultural competence, persistence and trustworthiness — rather than formal qualifications.
Comprehensive
Holistic health and wellbeing support including health promotion, chronic disease support, social support and advocacy
Hyperlocal
Each CHWW serves 120-150 households (around 500 residents) in a defined locality where they also live.
Universal
Everyone in that geography is seen regularly regardless of need or selected characteristics, but help is proportionate to need.
Integrated
Fully integrated with the GP Practice and Local Authority and in the community.
Impact and pilot success
Westminster results:
Hidden issues uncovered: Suicidal ideation, child carers, domestic violence and intractable housing.
The model is now active in 25+ sites, with national recognition across the House of Lords inquiry, Fuller Stocktake, BBC News, New Local and more.
CHWW National Programme and Community of Practice
Joining NAPC’s Community of Practice gives sites a complete support package that makes adopting and delivering the CHWW model straightforward, consistent and high‑impact.
Membership includes:
- Access to our preferred providers: A trusted network supporting recruitment, supervision, evaluation, digital tools and more.
- A national peer support network: Connect with other CHWW sites to share learning, challenges and real‑world insights.
- Quarterly workshops: Themed sessions with national experts, implementers and frontline CHWWs.
- Resources for easy adoption and roll‑out: Tools, templates and guidance to help sites stay true to the model while adapting locally.
Dr Connie Junghans-Minton
Connie is a GP in Westminster, a Public Health Specialist for Westminster City Council and an associate Professor in Primary care and Public Health on the NIHR knowledge mobilisation team at UWL/ Imperial. She was instrumental in getting the first CHWW pilot off the ground in the UK in 2021. She is deeply committed to health creation in primary care and the importance of community and core determinants of health. She firmly believes that CHWWs have the potential and ability to restore continuity with GPs, strengthen Primary Care and foster community resilience.
Dr Matthew Harris
Matt was a GP in Camaragibe, Brazil between 1999-2003 and worked with four amazing CHWWs, (Lucenita, Nara, Socorro and Joseleide). He was so inspired by their ability to proactively support residents in their homes that he brought the idea to have CHWWs back into the UK NHS. He is a Public Health clinical academic, and NHS Consultant in Public Health at Imperial College London and has led much of the research and advocacy into the CHWW role in the UK. He has published over150 articles in peer reviewed journals and is the author of several books on healthcare innovation, including Decolonizing Healthcare Innovation: low cost solutions from low income countries (Routledge press, 2023)
Dr Caroline Taylor
Caroline is a GP practicing in Calderdale and the Calderdale GP clinical lead for mental health/LD/Autism and children/young people. Caroline believes firmly in the neighbourhood care model, described originally by NAPC. She is passionate about the need to improve wellbeing of those working in health and care. She is working on the innovative Calderdale Community Mental Health Transformation and, through NAPC, with other projects nationally which are also founded on the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker model.
Standardised Training and the CHWW Apprenticeship
As part of the Community of Practice, sites gain access to NAPC’s standardised national education pathway, which includes a bespoke CHWW apprenticeship designed specifically for this role.
Built around real CHWW experience
- Developed with CHWWs, managers and early adopter sites, the apprenticeship reflects the real challenges of the job. Case studies and lived experience ensure training is practical, relevant and grounded in day‑to‑day reality.
Includes a Level 3 RSPH qualification
- The apprenticeship embeds a Level 3 Royal Society for Public Health certificate, giving CHWWs a recognised, accredited foundation in public health practice.
What the training covers
- Boundary setting and professional conduct
- Handling difficult conversations
- Coaching and behaviour‑change techniques
- Active listening and communication
- Safeguarding and risk awareness
- Navigating the NHS and local systems
- Population health principles
- Working with local assets and partners
- Case‑based learning from real CHWW experiences
This ensures every CHWW is prepared, supported and capable — and that the model is delivered consistently across all sites.
Join the CHWW Community of Practice
Be part of a national movement transforming prevention and neighbourhood care. To discuss joining the Community of Practice or implementing CHWWs in your area, contact us at: napc@napc.co.uk
