ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of particular case studies which relate to implementing and evaluating public health initiatives within the voluntary sector. This will include case studies relating to community engagement and public health initiatives and the issues involved in working with lay groups to promote health together with relevant aspects of public involvement. Engaging communities is an important part of working in public health. Meeting these challenges requires coordinated effort and enrolment of individuals and communities to engage with work to improve health outcomes. One of the ways this engagement with health and wellbeing can be encouraged is by seeking to magnify the impact and effect of existing activities. The voluntary sector seeks to help individuals by developing skills and enhancing resilience, but also by contributing to policy decisions and providing evidence from research activity. Collaborative practice presents challenges. These challenges may be around the political or cultural focus or the differences between organisations in ethos, philosophy and practice.
