This document discusses community development and its potential benefits for improving population health outcomes. It summarizes the HELP (Health Empowerment Leveraging Partnerships) project approach, which involves working with local residents and services to tackle issues, build social networks and make services more responsive. Evidence suggests that stronger social networks can reduce mortality risk and help address health inequalities. The HELP model has led to improved outcomes such as more responsive local services and reductions in health indicators like CVD admissions. Cost-benefit analysis indicates the HELP approach can save money compared to the investment required.