Transcript Why involve the public?

Community Action on Health
An introduction to CAH
Nick Forbes, 9th January 2007
What is CAH?
• An independent registered charity
• Funding agreements with NHS and others
• Historic links with communities in Newcastle
• Active in the most deprived parts of the City
• Constructively challenging ‘the system’
Our vision…
• “To bring about change by helping
disadvantaged communities have a
strong and effective voice in tackling
health inequalities”
What CAH does
• Provide opportunities for people to meet and
talk about health issues
• Raise peoples’ concerns with NHS and other
organisations
• Support community involvement in policy
making
• Promote community information about health
• Encourage partnership working
CAH’s Work 2006
2%
6%
6%
11%
46%
29%
Research
Raising awareness
Advice and information
Community involvement
Community development
Governance
Research
• Black and Minority Ethnic Community young
people and drugs research
• Views and experiences of Domestic Violence
victims
• Views of people with diabetes about services
• Participatory appraisal in Outer West
• Views of parents in homelessness
accommodation
Raising awareness
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Drug awareness events
“De stress for less” events
Community safety events
Young peoples’ events
Asylum seeker awareness sessions
Raising issues with service providers
Advice and Information
Advice and Information
Community Development
Health Action Groups
Lemington /
Newburn
South Heaton
Blakelaw
Denton /
Westerhope
Byker
Newbiggin Hall
Benwell /
Scotswood
Walker /
Walkergate
Fawdon
Elswick
Community Involvement
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Mental Health Review
Dental Service Review
Drug / Alcohol Forums
Patient Choice
Diabetes Services
Molineaux Street Devt
New GP Contract
Maternity Services Review
Clarity
• Are you telling or asking people?
• What are you trying to achieve by involving
people?
• Do you want informed discussion or to be
able to tick a box?
• How will a broad cross-section of people
(including disadvantaged minority
communities) be involved?
Communication Barriers
• Language
– e.g. Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Cantonese,
Hindi, Arabic, British Sign Language
– interpretation issues
• Format
– e.g. Tapes, Braille, Large Print, Audio
• Jargon-free
– e.g. Newburn Practice Leaflet
Correct target audience
• Patients / Service Users?
– Particular treatments, care pathways, discrete
service issues, best value reviews
• Communities?
– Barriers to access, tackling discrimination,
demonstrating inclusion
• The public?
– Statutory consultations, general information,
service ‘signposting’
Completion
• ‘Death by consultation’
• ‘What’s the point, no-one ever does anything
about the issues we raise’
• Completing the ‘loop’ of engagement – Gathering views, Impact on service planning and
delivery, Evaluation, Feedback
Gathering
Views
Gathering
Views
Service
Planning &
Delivery
Gathering
Views
Service
Planning &
Delivery
Evaluation
Gathering
Views
Feedback
Service
Planning &
Delivery
Evaluation
What works...
• Perception of independence
• Long term relationship
• Investing time to make a difference
• Suits are a barrier
• Role of voluntary and community sector
• Small changes can make a big difference
• Complete the loop of involvement
Contact Details
Nick Forbes
Community Action on Health
Old Brewery Court
156 Sandyford Road
Newcastle NE2 1XG
Telephone: (00 44) 191 261 6358
Email: [email protected]