Healthworks at 30 – Three Decades of Changing Lives

From our beginnings as a small local health project in the west of Newcastle to becoming a regional charity supporting thousands of people each year, Healthworks has always been driven by one purpose – to help people and communities improve their health and wellbeing.

Over three decades, we’ve expanded our reach, developed innovative services, and built lasting partnerships across the North East – supporting people of all ages to live healthier, happier lives.

“Healthworks started small – but with community, collaboration, and compassion, we’ve created something that truly makes a difference.

Over three decades, Healthworks has grown in scale. We’ve expanded our reach, deepened our impact, and continued to champion the principles that have guided us from the very beginning.

We’ve embraced opportunities to do more, strengthening partnerships and embedding ourselves more deeply in the fabric of the communities we serve.”

Paul Court, Chief Executive

30th Anniversary Impact Launch Event

To mark this incredible milestone, we brought together partners, supporters, and community members for a special Impact Launch Event on 30 September 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle.

Our event featured insights from national and regional leaders in health and wellbeing, including:

• Professor Sir Michael Marmot – Health Inequality, Innovation, and the Future of Community and Neighbourhood Health

• Professor Bola Owolabi – CQC’s role in tackling health inequalities within the context of the 10 Year Plan

• James Prentis – Consultant Anaesthetist, Newcastle Hospitals Trust

• Paula Bell Cummings – Service User Perspective

• Lorna Smith – Deputy Director of Public Health, Newcastle

Together, they explored how collaboration, innovation, and community-led delivery can reduce health inequalities and create lasting impact across the region.

Watch Now: Healthworks 30th Anniversary – Impact Launch Event Video

This highlight film captures our 30th Anniversary Impact Launch Event where national thinkers, local partners and community voices came together to reflect, inspire and collaborate for a healthier future.

Relive the celebration with photos capturing moments from the day – conversations, connections, and community in action.

“Healthworks has consistently demonstrated the power of community-led, preventative approaches in addressing the social determinants of health. By working at the heart of local communities, you have reached those most in need and helped create the conditions in which people can thrive, not just survive.”

Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Healthworks Patron

“Healthworks’ unwavering commitment to reducing health inequalities through inclusive, place-based, and preventative approaches exemplifies the very essence of what good, equitable care looks like.

By working closely with communities, especially those facing the greatest disadvantage, you’ve shown how trusted local relationships, voluntary sector leadership, and early intervention can transform lives and outcomes.

Your work aligns powerfully with our shared ambition for integrated care systems that prioritise prevention, close the equity gap, and give everyone the opportunity to live well for longer.”

Professor Bola Owolabi, Chief Inspector – Primary Care and Community Services, Care Quality Commission

Launching our 2024-2025 Impact Report

The event also marked the release of a special 30th anniversary edition of our Annual Impact Report 2024-2025, showcasing the difference Healthworks continues to make across health, wellbeing, and inclusion.

This year’s report highlights:

• Real stories of community impact

• Progress in tackling health inequalities

• Partnerships driving innovation and reach

• Our ongoing commitment to health equity across the North East

Visit the Our Impact page for more information about the difference our work is making or browse our flipbook.

£46.2 Million Saved for the NHS and Social Care

Healthworks is delivering real, measurable value to public services – and transforming lives in the process.  Using SportFin’s Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework, the estimated total cost savings to the NHS and Social Care in 2024-2025 was £46.2 million.

These savings are driven by the human, health and social capital created through Healthworks’ programmes and interventions.

Every pound invested in Healthworks generates substantial value for individuals, communities, and the NHS.  Our work doesn’t just improve lives – it saves public money, enhances wellbeing, and reduces health inequalities.

Healthworks 30 Year Journey

“Over the past three decades, we’ve expanded, adapted, and deepened our impact. While much of the health system has faced cuts and growing demand, Healthworks has remained resilient, reaching those who need us most and helping people live longer, healthier lives.

Healthworks proves what is possible by being innovative and needs based. Our model shows that prevention works, that community-led care matters, and that partnership is key. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building healthier, fairer futures.”

Joel Marks, Healthworks Chair

This is our 30 year journey from a small local project, to a regional community health charity:

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, funders, and community members.  Thank you for being part of our story – and for helping us create health, hope, and opportunity for everyone.

Please visit Our Impact page for more information on the work we do and the difference it makes.