The role of community businesses in providing health and wellbeing services: Challenges, opportunities and support needs

A growing body of research shows how community businesses may be well-placed to address a wide range of health and wellbeing challenges. Recent survey evidence shows ‘improved health and wellbeing’ to be the most common primary aim for 25% of community businesses and a secondary aim for nearly 50%.

This research adopted a qualitative case study approach to gain in-depth insight into the factors that enable health and wellbeing community businesses to thrive. The ten case study businesses were selected from across England and involved a total of 30 semi-structured interviews with leaders, staff, volunteers, service users and other community stakeholders including public service commissioners. The report makes recommendations for policy and support providers interested in promoting the growth and sustainability of the community business sector.