Strengthening Prevention Together: What the Hull & East Riding Prevention Concordat Means the VCSE

The Hull and East Riding Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health has released its first joint newsletter — marking a positive step in building a more coordinated, insight-driven approach to mental health prevention across our area. As of November, the two local Concordats have now merged, creating one collective space for collaboration, shared learning and system-wide action. 

For the VCSE sector, this is an important development. Our charities, community groups, volunteers and grassroots organisations play a central role in prevention — often being the first to see early signs of people struggling and the first to offer support. The new Concordat recognises this and aims to strengthen how we work together.

 What the Concordat is Here to Do

• Influence and promote better mental health prevention approaches
• Address mental health inequalities across Hull and East Riding
• Shape strategies using lived experience and insight
• Improve access to support and strengthen wellbeing 

Membership spans public health, the ICB, local authorities, and importantly — the VCSE sector. Meetings are coordinated by Public Health and the ICB, ensuring the work is fully embedded in local mental health priorities. 

What the First Joint Meeting Covered

The first merged meeting on 12th November brought people together for:

• Signing off the newly co-developed Terms of Reference
• An insight workshop exploring how we collect and share learning
• A brilliant presentation from Citizens Advice Bureau
• Discussions on funding opportunities
• Agreement to create a newsletter to keep everyone connected 

Across the workshop discussions, one message stood out: “Insights are human stories, supported by data, gathered through trusted relationships.” This reflects what many in the VCSE already know — prevention starts with understanding people’s lived experiences. 

Thematic takeaways included:

• Building meaningful collaboration
• Better integration of lived experience
• Inclusivity and diverse voices
• Developing shared platforms for insight
• Removing barriers such as time, processes and data concerns to improve sharing 

 What’s Coming Up in 2026

The Concordat will continue meeting throughout the year. Planned months include:

• February (East Riding)
• April (Hull)
• June (East Riding)
• August (Hull)
• October (East Riding)
• December (Hull)

Venues are still to be confirmed. 

Why This Matters for the VCSE Sector

• The Concordat gives our sector opportunities to:
• Bring real stories and grassroots insight into decision-making
• Influence prevention strategies at a system level
• Join up with public health and statutory partners
• Shape a more inclusive, strengths-based approach to mental health prevention
• Access shared learning and practical tools

As one group member put it: “This group just gets better and better… I really enjoy how we have come together and changed the culture of how we look at preventative mental health.” 

Want to Get Involved?
The Concordat encourages anyone working in mental health, wellbeing, community development or prevention to connect, contribute insight and be part of the shared learning culture.

A QR code is provided in the newsletter below to register interest and stay up to date.