Case Study – Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council Community Health and Wellbeing Initiative
How our trusted partners harnessed the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker Apprenticeship to power local public health initiatives and employment opportunities
Background
Public Health, Community Matters and our local voluntary and community sector (VCS) providers have collaborated to support Community Champions (local resident volunteers) to progress into Community Health and Wellbeing Worker
(CHWW) or related community connector roles by providing skills development and apprenticeship opportunities.
The programme takes an asset-based approach and has revealed a wealth of untapped potential among volunteer Champions. It has always offered valuable informal routes to employment and training, which has become more significant with the increase in community connector roles within the NHS and local authorities. Champions, with their lived experience and local connections, consistently expressed a desire to move into paid employment, but faced barriers such as limited formal qualifications, digital exclusion, language, learning needs and caring responsibilities. As a result, the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker apprenticeship was introduced as a progression pathway -enabling Champions to gain accredited qualifications and employment prospects embedded within their communities.
Delivery
Community Matters designed a bespoke training offer mapped to the Level 3 CHWW apprenticeship standard, with the aim to develop a workforce that is trusted, rooted in local communities, and equipped to deliver culturally competent support.
Launched in May 2023, the scheme has seen two cohorts of apprenticeships. With enormous interest and a rigorous recruitment process, this scheme has quickly become an integral part of the programme. While continuing to support health improvement through campaigns, events, activities, signposting and outreach, apprentices develop their practice within a structured learning environment. The scheme draws on best practice in co-
production, workforce development, and community-centred care.
Impact
The programme delivers tangible outcomes in tackling health inequalities, strengthening community engagement, and developing a diverse, locally rooted workforce.
In 2024-25, the programme engaged over 200 champions across its 11 neighbourhoods, delivering nearly 600 specific activities, campaigns and events over the year. In doing so, it reached over 6,000 unique individuals in person and another 4,500 through digital platforms every quarter. This wide reach is made possible by recruiting Champions from the communities they serve – individuals who bring lived experience, cultural insight, and language skills.
The introduction of the CHWW apprenticeship strengthened the programme’s sustainability and impact. Learning outcomes are determined by the CHWW role: ‘To work in partnership with individuals and their communities to identify and address health and wellbeing needs, improve health, prevent ill-health and reduce inequalities.’
Of the first cohort, half have passed End Point Assessment, with the remainder progressing through final stages. 88% have been retained in paid roles, such as Community Engagement Officer or Project Coordinator. Feedback from apprentices is overwhelmingly positive. Learner evaluations show that 75% rate the training excellent and
25% very good. Apprentices reported increased confidence, new aspirations and improved readiness for employment. One,participant shared, “I used to feel invisible – now I know what I bring matters.” Another said, apprenticeship sessions “helped
me feel comfortable to be myself”. Several referred to the apprenticeship as “transformative personally and professionally”. Others highlighted the relevance of the training to their work and the benefits of peer learning across organisations. The programme has contributed to workforce diversification. Across the two cohorts, 93% of the apprentices are women,
and 86% are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Overall, the initiative has improved access to services, enhanced wellbeing and created new career pathways for residents who have historically faced barriers to employment and education. It is helping to build a workforce that is trusted,
representative, and equipped to meet the needs of diverse communities.
Case Study – Evolve Housing + Support
Evolve Housing + Support are a London based charity supporting the needs of homelessness and vulnerable people. Evolve were looking for an apprenticeship provider who could offer a relevant curriculum, and excellent teaching and learner support, to help new recruits upskill into the role of support workers.
Community Matters began working with Evolve in October 2024, delivering the Community Health and Wellbeing Worker Apprenticeship to a group of passionate new starters, excited to begin their careers at Evolve.
The following two stories showcase how the partnership between Evolve and Community Matters is helping individuals learn new skills and bolster their career development.
Name: Sarah
Employer: Evolve Housing
Personal and Professional Journey
I was delighted to find an apprenticeship opportunity that aligned with my passion for social justice and advocacy. Many entry-level roles in this sector often require unpaid volunteering to gain experience, so it was incredible to find a paid opportunity that also offers a professional qualification.
Starting my career as a support worker through an apprenticeship has been a fantastic foundation. You learn so much on the job, but it’s equally valuable to have formal training to support and shape best practice. Being on a learning journey alongside others also creates a really supportive environment.
One of the most impactful parts of the programme for me has been the focus on Interpersonal and Communication Skills. As a support worker, these are absolutely vital — we’re engaging with people from all walks of life, often in challenging circumstances. Learning how to approach individuals in different ways and how to ‘frame’ difficult conversations has had a real effect on my practice. It’s helped me meet my professional goals and, ultimately, better support my clients.
Support from Community Matters
Community Matters has been incredibly supportive throughout my apprenticeship. I have ADHD, and right from the start, the team asked about my needs and how they could help. They’ve been fantastic whenever I’ve needed extra direction or clarity.
Because of my neurodiversity, I find it difficult to concentrate — especially when studying alone. That’s one of the main reasons the apprenticeship model appealed to me: it’s practical and hands-on. Community Matters also delivers face-to-face workshops, which has made a big difference. My tutor is engaging and encourages everyone to participate, which leads to great discussions and a more stimulating learning experience.
The biggest compliment I can give the course is that I only wish I’d discovered apprenticeships earlier! For me, it’s a far more engaging and effective way to learn than traditional higher education — and it’s helped me thrive both professionally and personally.
Name: Mohamed Yusuf
Employer: Evolve Housing
Personal and professional journey
Before starting this journey, I had some apprehensions about apprenticeships. I genuinely thought they were only for trades and didn’t realise how relevant and valuable they could be in helping me become a support worker. Breaking into this field can be difficult, so I was thrilled to discover — and then be accepted onto — a programme where I could earn while I learn, gaining both hands-on experience and a recognised qualification.
Starting out as an apprentice in this field has given me a solid foundation. I feel a real sense of belonging and purpose in my role, and the training has developed not just my skills, but my confidence too. It’s been a genuine journey of growth.
One area I’ve found particularly valuable is the training on Interpersonal and Communication Skills. In my role, I interact with a wide range of stakeholders — clients, partners, and colleagues — so learning to adapt my communication style has been key, especially when working with individuals for whom English may not be their first language or who have specific learning needs.
The safeguarding training has also been especially impactful. I now have a clear framework to guide my decisions and feel much more confident in this critical area. Feeling more empowered is really important to managing risk both more effectively and more efficiently.
Support from Community Matters
I hadn’t been in formal education since I was a teenager, so I was a bit nervous at the start But the structure of the programme, the support from my workplace, and the quality of my tutor quickly put my mind at ease.
I honestly can’t speak highly enough of my tutor. She’s engaging, open, approachable, and always makes the learning relevant to our work. She has boosted my confidence massively, and I only wish I’d had teachers like her when I was at school!
I still have a few months to go on my apprenticeship, and I’m excited to complete it. It’s already helped me grow into my role as a support worker and has given me a new confidence in my ability to succeed in education.
I would absolutely consider future apprenticeships and would recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking to develop their career — especially if, like me, you didn’t think this path was for you.