Developing system approaches to resilience is not an easy option. The Neighbourhood
Resilience Programme (NRP) described in this inspirational example from the northwest of
England highlights some of the main challenges and opportunities for such an innovative
approach. As the authors conclude, such an approach demands time, energy, commitment
and imagination from all involved. The example throws light on the possibility to move beyond
traditional, individual, topic-based approaches to collaborative partnerships with residents,
local workers and institutions. It addresses major issues and works on key social, environmental,
cultural and economic elements that characterize local neighbourhood systems that impact on
resilience, health and well-being. The on-the-ground work of the authors and their partners
at community level maintains that strengthening resilience that impacts on health and the
reduction of health inequities requires such a system perspective. Although in its early phase
of development, several powerful lessons can be drawn from NRP and its system perspective.
Such lessons are useful for action that aims to strengthen resilience to promote health and
well-being and to address social and economic determinants of inequalities. These lessons are
essential for developing resilient neighbourhood systems.