By partnering with local organisations and spending time in trusted spaces, we can identify people who would otherwise remain unseen by the health system. As both a health coach and engagement lead, I’ve seen firsthand how this approach improves personal outcomes and contributes to wider system priorities. 

Why Xyla goes out into communities

There is a consistent pattern across the people we meet. Many wouldn’t engage with structured support unless someone introduced it to them face to face. 
Some feel nervous about digital platforms. Some have limited English. Some have low trust in healthcare services. Others simply don’t identify as “at risk” even when their blood results say otherwise. 

This is why Xyla takes a proactive approach. We go into the community because these are the people who are statistically more likely to develop long-term complications and less likely to access early support. For commissioners and NHS leaders, this matters. Reaching these groups reduces health inequalities and prevents future system strain.term complications and less likely to access early support. For commissioners and NHS leaders, this matters. Reaching these groups reduces health inequalities and prevents future system strain. 

The quiet but powerful role of community organisation

Local organisations are often the first to spot when someone is struggling. When we collaborate with them, we tap into established relationships and local knowledge that clinical settings simply don’t have. 

I’ve found that the most effective partners are groups that people already trust. When I speak at a community session, people listen differently. They ask more open questions. They’re more willing to share what’s really going on with their health. And once one group understands the value of the programme, the message spreads organically. Someone mentions us at another meeting. A volunteer passes details on to a neighbour. A support worker encourages a client to join. 

This ripple effect is exactly how population level improvement begins.level improvement begins. 

A familiar setting reduces barriers instantly

One thing I’ve learned is that the environment shapes people’s readiness to engage. In a hospital or clinic, some people feel intimidated or rushed. But in a library, community room or local hall, the same person relaxes and becomes far more open to conversation. 

This matters for diabetes prevention. The earlier someone understands their risk, the earlier they can make informed decisions. When I speak to people in a familiar place, they connect the information to their real lives. They tell me about their routines, their barriers, their concerns. Those conversations are far richer than anything that could be achieved through leaflets alone. 

How this improves individual health outcomes 

Across the sessions I run, I see the same pattern play out. Once someone understands their risk and feels supported, they begin to take small steps that create measurable change. People often tell me that they: 

• Feel more in control of their health 
• Understand how their lifestyle affects their blood glucose 
• Feel confident choosing foods that suit their culture and budget 
• Become more active in ways that fit their day 
• Feel more connected because of the group support 

These changes are meaningful on a personal level. But they are also clinically significant. Improved blood glucose stability, healthier weight and more confidence in self-management are all factors associated with reduced progression to Type 2 diabetes.management are all factors associated with reduced progression to Type 2 diabetes. 

The population-level impact commissioners care about level impact commissioners care about

Community engagement is not just a “nice to have.” It directly supports national NHS priorities by: 

• Reducing avoidable demand: People who understand risk factors and receive early support are less likely to require future emergency or specialist care. 
• Addressing health inequalities: Underserved groups often experience the greatest burden of preventable disease. Meeting them where they are closes that gap. 
• Strengthening prevention pathways: By raising awareness in local spaces, we create a larger pool of people who engage early rather than at crisis point. 
• Improving uptake among underrepresented groups: Culturally tailored sessions, multilingual delivery and trusted community partnerships help the programme reach people who historically have low attendance rates. 
• Creating community-level ripple effects: When one person changes their behaviour, people around them often follow. Families adopt healthier habits. Workplaces start conversations. Communities become more aware of the importance of early health action. This amplifies the programme’s impact beyond the individual.

Why this work matters to me

Every time I speak to a community group, I’m reminded that our health system is full of good services that many people never access. It isn’t because they don’t care. It’s because the system feels distant or difficult to navigate. 

When we walk into their spaces instead, we close that distance. We give people information they can trust. We remove the sense of “this isn’t for me.” And over time, those moments accumulate into real population benefit. 

Make prevention work in your area 

The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme gives people the knowledge, confidence and support they need to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes. Delivered by Xyla, it combines expert coaching with deep community engagement to reach the people who need support most. This means better personal outcomes and reduced long-term pressure on local health systems.term pressure on local health systems. 

Find out how your area can benefit from Healthier You diabetes prevention, management and remission programmes.