Launch of Year Two

On October 16th, 2025, the Coastal Navigators’ Network (CNN) convened a landmark national event in London, bringing together SROs from all CNN partner locations  alongside key partners from central government, industry, the third sector, and national organisations like the EFL. The summit focused on a unified mission: securing the future of coastal communities by tackling deep-rooted challenges in workforce development, employment, and health inequalities.

Coastal areas currently face a disproportionate burden, with economic inactivity due to long-term sickness being significantly higher than in inland regions, and access to resources and support being more limited. Rather than treating these issues in isolation, the CNN is pioneering a shift toward proactive whole system thinking and early intervention, aiming to improve the overall resilience of our coastal towns.

Key themes discussed on the day included creating meaningful ways to engage with young people, improving mental health support as a bridge to employment, and overcoming infrastructure barriers like poor transport and access to training and education.

By fostering  the power of a network, the CNN enables locations to share innovative solutions, such as Bridlington’s Live Well Campus or Fleetwood’s youth mental health models, to drive national change. The network aligns with national strategic goals, including the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan and the DWP’s “Get Britain Working” initiative. Moving into Year Two, the CNN continues its critical work with NHSE and the APPG for Coastal Communities to ensure these vital regions are no longer overlooked in national policy.

Read the full report to see how focusing on our coastal communities can dismantle the unique health and employment barriers that have held these regions back, unlocking untapped economic potential for the entire country.

For further info, data queries, or to find out more about how your coastal area could become part of the network please get in contact through jacqui.gibson@bbi.uk.com

The 18 Coastal Navigators’ Network Locations:

• Barrow-in-Furness
• Bridlington
• Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge
• Canvey Island
• Felixstowe
• Fleetwood
• Great Yarmouth
• Ilfracombe
• Isle of Sheppey
• Lowestoft
• Millom
• Poole
• Skegness
• Southend-on-Sea
• Thanet
• Torquay
• Whitehaven
• Workington

READ THE FULL REPORT

To read the full report and to download a copy of the pdf please click on the link below.