Health inequalities are not inevitable. It is time to act together.
Where we live, work, grow, connect and access support can significantly influence life chances and outcomes.
Join us on Thursday 25 March 2027 to move beyond describing inequalities and start shaping practical, community-informed solutions.
Expect a dynamic, inclusive and participant-led Summit built around:
Hear from influential leaders, practitioners, and community voices working to improve health, equity, public services and wider life outcomes.
Explore specific challenges in smaller, facilitated groups designed to generate insight, priorities and practical recommendations.
Ask questions, share reflections and contribute directly to conversations with speakers, partners and decision-makers.
Learn about services, research opportunities, projects, resources and community-led initiatives.
Build relationships with people who may become future partners, collaborators, mentors, supporters or sources of specialist knowledge.
Move beyond discussion to action, leaving with practical insights, tools, valuable connections and tangible next steps to improve health, wellbeing and life outcomes for yourself, those around you and the communities you serve.
Enjoy a light breakfast, Kentish lunch, refreshments throughout the day, uplifting music and a special Summit keepsake. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Historic Dockyard Chatham, the day will offer a welcoming atmosphere, memorable photo opportunities and plenty of space for meaningful conversations, connection and collaboration.
Why This Summit Matters
Health inequalities are rarely caused by one issue alone.
- income and employment;
- housing and neighbourhoods;
- education and skills;
- access to health information and services;
- discrimination and unequal treatment;
- social isolation and community connection;
- culture, identity and trust;
- food, transport and the local environment; and
- opportunities for people to influence decisions affecting their lives.
The Summit takes a social determinants of health and systems-thinking approach, recognising that sustainable improvement requires action across communities, services, institutions and sectors.
It is not simply about asking: What is wrong?
It is about asking: What strengths already exist, what needs to change, and what can we commit to doing individually and together?
Building on the 2026 Summit
The 2027 Summit builds on that learning. It will retain the warmth, trust and community-centred approach participants valued, while putting an even stronger focus on meaningful participation, clearer pathways to services and opportunities, cross-sector connections, practical next steps, and learning that continues beyond the event.
More than an annual event, the Summit is part of a year-round cycle of listening, co-design, connector development, engagement, learning and action—creating lasting value before, during and after the Summit.
Get in touch and be part of the ongoing work.
The Summit will Explore the Big Questions
Living Stronger
What helps people, families and communities build resilience, confidence, agency and connection? We’ll explore how faith, community and health partnerships and the right conditions can help people and communities thrive.
Living Longer
How can prevention, early intervention and trusted information help people live healthier lives and reduce avoidable illness and premature mortality? We’ll explore women’s and men’s health, health literacy, barriers to services and opportunities, community-based pathways, and the vital role of trusted community and faith connectors.
Living Better
What needs to change so people experience services, systems and communities as accessible, respectful, joined-up and responsive? We’ll explore the wider determinants of health, stronger partnership working, and how community knowledge can translate into meaningful improvements in services and support.
Who Should Attend?
The Summit is for anyone committed to improving health, wellbeing and life outcomes for themselves, their families, their communities or the wider population across Kent and Medway, including:
- residents;
- families and carers;
- people with lived experience;
- community and faith leaders;
- volunteers and community champions;
- voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations;
- health and care professionals;
- NHS organisations;
- local authorities;
- commissioners and service designers;
- researchers and academic institutions;
- elected representatives;
- funders;
- employers;
- public-sector partners;
- students and emerging professionals; and
- organisations committed to inclusion and social impact.
Our Speakers and Contributors
Leading Voices. Community Experience. Shared Responsibility.
The Summit will feature a carefully selected mix of:
- national and regional leaders;
- health and public-service leaders;
- public health practitioners;
- community and faith leaders;
- researchers;
- people with lived experience;
- voluntary-sector innovators;
- system partners; and
- individuals with the authority or influence to help turn learning into action.
Prepare for the Day
Once registered, participants will be encouraged to:
Book the date now:
arrange leave or diary cover early.
Plan a question:
consider what you would like speakers, services or decision-makers to hear.
Bring experience:
lived experience and community knowledge are valuable contributions.
Come ready to connect:
make time for purposeful conversations.
Explore the programme:
choose sessions relevant to your priorities.
Invite someone:
knowledge becomes more powerful when it is shared.
Plan your journey:
help us deliver a punctual and accessible event.
Tell us what you need:
share accessibility, dietary or participation requirements during registration.
Plan to create lasting memories:
as the summit is set within the iconic surroundings of the Historic Dockyard, there’ll be opportunities to capture memorable moments throughout the day. Bring a colleague, friend or partner, charge your phone, bring a selfie stick and be ready to make the most of the experience together
Accessibility and Inclusion
We want the Summit to be welcoming, respectful and accessible.
Participants will be able to identify relevant accessibility and participation needs when registering.
Sustainability
We are committed to delivering the Summit responsibly.
Our approach will include thoughtful decisions around:
- printed materials;
- reuse of signage and resources;
- waste reduction;
- catering;
- travel information;
- digital communication;
- local partnership working; and
- responsible event planning.
The intention is to create an event that is inclusive, memorable and environmentally conscious without placing unnecessary demands on delegates or delivery partners.
The Summit is made possible through an alliance of funders, community organisations, public bodies, and strategic partners committed to improving health, wellbeing and life outcomes across Kent and Medway.
With thanks to our Funders, and Strategic Partners
Medway Delivery Partner
Supporting women, families and communities across Medway through trusted community-led engagement and support.
Confirmed Exhibitors and Programme Contributors
For organisations taking part through workshops, speakers, information stalls or resources.
Register Your Place
One Day. Many Voices. Shared Responsibility.
Thursday 25 March 2027
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway
Living Well: Stronger | Longer | Better
Partner with the Summit – info@wethrivetogether.co.uk
Contact the Summit Team – 07411931713