Strengthening Our Community: What the NHS 10-Year Plan Means for Middlesbrough’s VCS

Submitted by Kelly on 3 Jul 2025 - 4:10pm

The NHS has published its 10-Year Plan, Fit for the Future, a major blueprint for improving health and care in England. The plan focuses on better access, prevention, personalisation, and local collaboration, and offers opportunities and challenges for Middlesbrough’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).

What Does the NHS 10-Year Plan Mean for Middlesbrough’s VCS?

The NHS 10-Year Plan sets out a major shift in how health and care services are delivered — with a focus on local collaboration, prevention, and innovation. This presents both opportunities and challenges for Middlesbrough’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).

Key priorities in the plan include:

• Improving Health Services: Making care more joined-up, responsive, and rooted in communities.

• Prevention First: Moving from reactive treatment to early support and healthier living.

• Mental Health Support: Expanding access to local mental health and wellbeing services.

• Digital and Data Use: Using technology (e.g. the NHS App) to gather feedback and improve services.

• Stronger Local Partnerships: Placing greater value on collaboration with voluntary and community groups.

End of Healthwatch England – What’s Next?

One of the biggest changes is the closure of Healthwatch England, the national body that champions patient voice and holds services to account.

This raises serious concerns particularly in areas like Middlesbrough, where independent, trusted feedback channels are vital to shaping services that meet local needs.

However, the functions of Healthwatch will continue in some guise. The Government has published the Dash review, which recommends:

1. Transferring the functions of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health, and
2. Transferring the functions of local Healthwatch into Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.

The Government has said that it accepts this recommendation and will pass legislation to enable it when time allows. This means that, until legislation is passed, the Department of Health and Social Care will advise local authorities to continue commissioning local Healthwatch services. A key concern for the future of capturing patient voice is around the lack of independence and challenge this function will have when taken 'in house'. 

Take a look at Healthwatch Middlesbrough’s latest annual report for a snapshot of the team’s impact in 2024/25 highlighting the value of local independent providers. Read the full report here.

Why It Matters to Middlesbrough’s VCS

The VCS already plays a crucial role supporting the health and wellbeing of people across Middlesbrough. The 10-Year Plan opens up opportunities and responsibilities for local organisations.
Key implications for our sector:

• Shaping Services Locally: With more power moving to Integrated Care Systems (ICS), there's a chance for the VCS to influence how services are designed.
• New Roles in Advocacy: As national bodies like Healthwatch England close, local groups may be called on to help fill the gap in capturing lived experience.
• Funding Opportunities: Prevention and community-based care are funding priorities, with room for innovative partnerships.
• Focus on Inequality: The plan highlights the need to reduce health inequalities, something local VCS groups are uniquely placed to support.

Read the full NHS 10-Year Plan here:
Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England