Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 9 March, officially approved the Growing Opportunities Plan 2026-2029, setting out a district-wide commitment to tackling poverty, improving wellbeing and creating greater opportunities for people of all ages.

Developed collaboratively with more than 40 partners from the Social Inclusion Partnership (SIP), the Plan brings together public, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations to deliver real change where it matters most.  

It builds on the success of the previous plan and uses a strong new evidence base to focus efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

The newly approved Plan is structured around seven key missions, designed to make a measurable difference to residents' health, financial stability, safety, and long-term opportunities.

These include:

• Strengthening partnership-working
• Boosting economic opportunities
• Supporting families and young people
• Improving health and wellbeing
• Reducing rural inequalities
• Enhancing community safety
• Supporting environmental and energy-efficiency goals

Each mission is supported by a detailed three-year Action Plan featuring clear objectives, delivery partners and measurable outcomes, ensuring progress can be tracked annually.

The Plan will deliver targeted work to support people into training and employment, reduce fuel poverty, improve access to health services, strengthen youth provision, support voluntary organisations, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and boost access to essential services in rural areas - all areas where partners have identified clear need.

It is also underpinned by extensive consultation with SIP members, local organisations and community partners, ensuring that the voices of those closest to residents' needs have shaped the priorities for the next three years.

Councillor Liz Coles, Housing and Customer Services Portfolio, said: "This is a significant moment for Stratford-on-Avon District. By approving the Growing Opportunities Plan 2026-2029, Cabinet has reaffirmed our commitment to working hand-in-hand with our partners to improve lives right across the District.  

"This is about making a real difference - helping families through the cost-of-living pressures, improving health and wellbeing, creating opportunity for young people, and ensuring no community, rural or urban, is left behind. The strength of our partnership is what will turn this Plan into action, and action into lasting impact for residents."

The Plan formalises a district-wide approach where charitable organisations, statutory bodies, health services, education partners and local community groups each deliver actions aligned to the shared missions.

This includes:

• Annual reporting on progress from all partners
• Partnership-led delivery of over 200 targeted actions
• A mid-point refresh to ensure the Plan remains responsive to changing needs  

The District Council will publish annual updates demonstrating progress against the actions and commitments contained in the Plan. Partners will continue to collaborate closely to deliver support and opportunities where they are needed most.