Understanding key health and wellbeing acronyms in Harrow

In this blog, I will be breaking down some of the main ones and explaining what they mean in Harrow.  The aim is to help residents understand these terms better, so they can feel more informed, confident, and involved when using local services."

Borough Based Partnerships (BBPs)

Borough Based Partnerships work collectively and collaboratively with local NHS and health & social care organisations, Harrow Council, the voluntary and community sector, and residents of Harrow. The aim is to support organisations and the wider community, making sure they work together as equal partners. BBPs focus on improving the overall quality of care and strengthening health and wellbeing for everyone in the borough.

In Harrow, Borough Based Partnerships (BBPs) help different services work in a multidisciplinary way so that residents don’t feel passed around and have their needs met. BBPs ensure that residents receive coordinated support by linking them to other organisations such as local GP services or community hubs, especially for people with long-term health conditions.

Public Health Harrow (PHH)

Public Health Harrow is responsible for protecting, improving and providing a high standard of health for all Harrow residents. This is carried out by developing strategies and services that prevent and protect residents from diseases, supporting infection control and promoting a healthier lifestyle. This is done in Harrow by introducing initiatives and health programmes in schools and running training sessions in the local community and workplace.
This encourages and teaches residents to take charge of their health and make better lifestyle choices. It also aims to overcome health inequalities in the borough and ensures that all residents receive a high quality of care and support.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs)

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams are groups of health and social care providers and services such as GPs, community workers, public health staff, and wider partners. Their role is to work together to deliver effective care closer to home. INTs support residents with complex or long-term needs and aim to reduce people being passed around or missed by services.
They coordinate care so residents receive the specific support they require. In Harrow, INTs focus on bringing care closer to the community and linking residents with other services and information. This makes care easier to access, especially for vulnerable residents, and helps people feel more heard and supported.

Harrow Community Hubs (HCH)

Harrow Community Hubs are local spaces run by local charities and voluntary organisations. In Harrow, they offer a welcoming and warm environment where they provide support, advice and information, activities, and a place where residents can connect with others. These hubs offer wellbeing sessions, social groups and advice on a range of different topics such as health and wellness.

In Harrow, these hubs are essential as they help to reduce isolation and bring support into the community and help residents feel included, connected and supported. For example, Age UK host monthly coffee mornings for older residents where they can meet new people and encouraging residents to participate in engaging and stimulating activities.

Integrated Care Board (ICB)

The Integrated Care Board is the organisation that is responsible for planning, delivering and funding for health services across North West London. They make decisions on how funding should be used, work to improve health outcomes, they ensure that services are joined up and meet the needs of the residents.
In Harrow, ICBs works closely with GP practices, hospitals, Harrow council and community services to make accessing services easier and improve communication

I hope this blog makes these acronyms easier to understand and helps residents feel more informed when accessing services in Harrow. Understanding these terms can make a big difference when finding the right support and getting the care you need.