Impact Review 2025/26: Supporting Healthy and Inclusive Neighbourhood Environments (SHINE) HIT

Unlike most other Health Integration Teams (HITs), SHINE does not target specific diseases and conditions but aims to promote environments that support health and wellbeing for people. Here are the highlights from the HIT in 2025/26.

3rd June 2026

Progressing work on damp, mould and fuel poverty

Bristol City Council’s Damp, Mould and Fuel Poverty Toolkit, developed with support from SHINE, was successfully piloted and launched across the region. Engagement with Health and Wellbeing Boards and the BNSSG Integrated Care Partnership has helped raise awareness of the significant impact that poor housing conditions can have on vulnerable groups.

Ongoing engagement has strengthened links between healthcare professionals and housing-related initiatives to support prevention and early intervention.

Rethinking access to parks and green spaces

Research led by Your Parks Bristol and Bath, and the University of Bath examining barriers to park use among ethnically diverse communities in Bristol’s Barton Hill area was published this year. SHINE supported the original funding bid and has continued to help disseminate the findings, including through participation in a Knowledge Sharing Lunch, helping to inform more inclusive approaches to green space access.

Supporting urban walking initiatives

SHINE supported two community walking events in Bristol during 2025:

Windrush Walk, organised by Bristol Steppin Sistas, which promoted community cohesion, connection and wellbeing.
Bristol Steppin Bruddas Walk, which brought together Black men experiencing mental health challenges, providing opportunities to connect with green spaces and build supportive peer networks.

These events highlighted the role of walking and access to green space in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing

Influencing active travel through the One City approach

SHINE public partner Zoe Bank Gross was appointed Co-Chair of the One City Transport Board, strengthening links between transport, health and community priorities.

In February 2026, SHINE contributed to a joint workshop involving the One City Transport Board and the One City Health and Wellbeing Board. The discussion focused on increasing physical activity levels and safer, easier and more attractive active travel opportunities. Insights from the workshop have informed the development of the forthcoming One City Active Bristol Strategy.