The East Chilterns Community Board met on Monday 30 March 2026, discussing several community projects and initiatives. Key decisions included the utilisation of project budget to support the local priority of the Switch Lanes Project and agreement to explore longer-term opportunities for a permanent or pop-up health presence on the high street. The board also received updates on the Proud of Bucks Awards and the Opportunity Bucks programme.

Health On The High Street Project

The board received a detailed presentation on the evolution of the Health on the High Street initiative. This project, which began as a health awareness event at the Elgiva Theatre, has expanded to a high street-based model designed to increase footfall and engagement with local retailers and health providers. The initiative has involved health professionals offering informal advice and health checks, guest speakers addressing topics such as menopause, prostate cancer, and men's health, and active involvement from high street businesses including pharmacies, opticians, and dentists. Following positive feedback, the project has now merged with a Community Activity Day, combining health, wellbeing, and wider community services. This combined event is scheduled to take place in Chesham High Street on 8 August 2026, representing another collaboration between the East Chilterns Community Board and Opportunity Bucks.

The board agreed that members and partners would support the promotion of the Community Activity Day by sharing posters and social media posts. Additionally, local members were encouraged to explore longer-term opportunities for a permanent or pop-up health presence on the high street.

Switch Lanes Project

The Switch Lanes Project, a collaboration between the Community Board and the Opportunity Bucks programme, aims to support young people through targeted intervention and skills development. The project is expected to launch in May 2026. The Community Board agreed to utilise project budget to support this local priority.

Prestwood Community Association Project

An overview of the Prestwood Community Association Project was presented, highlighting its collaboration with local schools to ensure a balanced perspective across a range of ages.

Proud of Bucks Update

A reminder was given that the nomination window for the Proud of Bucks Awards remains open until 5 April 2026. The awards recognise achievements in categories such as health and wellbeing, environmental impact, reducing social isolation, town and parish council community awards, volunteer awards, and lifetime achievement. Members were encouraged to actively promote nominations within their communities.

Opportunity Bucks Update

An update was provided on the activities of the Opportunity Bucks programme, which aligns with the themes of health and wellbeing, jobs and skills, education and youth, quality of place, and standard of living. Key updates included support for a toddler park vision at Bounds Park, delivery of discreet family food support through schools and partners, ongoing monthly drop-in advice hubs at Hope Church, digital inclusion sessions delivered with Bucks Adult Learning, and funding agreed for self-defence classes at Chiltern Way Academy. The continued development of the Community Activity Day in August was also mentioned. Members were invited to raise local issues, particularly highways concerns, through the established working group route.

The board agreed that members would continue to signpost residents to Opportunity Bucks projects and advice hubs, and that local issues would be submitted to officers for consideration through relevant working groups.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenters and attendees. The date of the next meeting is to be confirmed.

The minutes of this meeting can be found at Printed minutes 30th-Mar-2026 17.00 East Chilterns Community Board. The public reports pack is available at Public reports pack 30th-Mar-2026 17.00 East Chilterns Community Board, and the agenda was published in the Agenda frontsheet 30th-Mar-2026 17.00 East Chilterns Community Board. The slide pack used for presentations is available at East Chilterns Community Board Slide Pack 30th-Mar-2026 17.00 East Chilterns Community Board.