Community Action on Health
An introduction to CAHNick 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
6%6%
11%
29%
46%
2%
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
• 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
• 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
Service Planning &
Delivery
Gathering Views
Evaluation
Gathering Views
Service Planning &
Delivery
Feedback
Gathering Views
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]