Community Action on Health An introduction to CAH Nick Forbes, 9 th 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

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

Community Development Health Action Groups Lemington / Newburn South HeatonBlakelaw Denton / Westerhope BykerNewbiggin 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)