Hands holding scissors, cutting a piece of paper that says Inequality on it. The scissors are cutting between the In and Equality.

Health Inequalities Communities of Practice – communities working together to tackle health inequalities in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire individuals now have the opportunity to be involved with three Health Inequalities Communities of Practice (CoP).

These Communities of Practice bring together those who work and volunteer with people experiencing health inequalities in areas of deprivation in Buckinghamshire.


Did you know the average life expectancy for a healthy male in the most deprived areas of Buckinghamshire is 77.2 years old and for a female, it’s 79.7 years old? Compare this to the least deprived areas where men are expected to live to 81.5 years old and women to 85.1. (Bucks Data Exchange, 2020)

What is a Community of Practice and how can it help address health inequalities? 

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a common concern (e.g. health inequality), a set of problems, or an interest in a topic and who come together to fulfil both individual and group goals. Health Inequalities Communities of Practice is the title given to the groups who come together from within the community to take action to tackle health inequalities.

Each Community of Practice gives the attendees the opportunity to learn, share knowledge and experience. This learning will help deepen understanding of these complex issues, anchored in day-to-day work.  

Communities of Practice are helping to build networks in Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe. Each facilitated meeting explores a theme or topic, bringing together those working and volunteering in communities to share experiences and knowledge. 

Each Community of Practice has access to an online dedicated collaboration space for discussion and information sharing. Details will be shared with meeting participants after each session.

Where and when will the meetings take place?

November and December Community of Practice sessions
The November and December sessions of our Health Inequalities Communities of Practice will explore the use of trauma-informed and trauma-based approaches in providing support to people experiencing health inequalities. This was one of the topics suggested by participants at previous sessions.
We are pleased to have expert speakers from the Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service (Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes) who will explore what a trauma-based approach entails and how it can be valuable in addressing a wide range of health-related issues. By working in a trauma-informed way we recognise the impact of trauma on individuals and communities and strive to provide care that is compassionate, empowering and mindful of the complex factors that influence well-being.
 
  • Chesham Health Inequalities Community of Practice is being held on Thursday 21 November, 10.30 – 12.30 at The Belmont Club, Chesham  – to book via Eventbrite visit  Chesham Community of Practice
  • Aylesbury Health Inequalities Community of Practice is being held on Thursday 21 November, 14.30 – 16.30 at Buckinghamshire Community Wellbeing Hub, Buckinghamshire New University’s Aylesbury campus  – to book via Eventbrite visit Aylesbury Community of Practice
  • High Wycombe Health Inequalities Community of Practice is being held on Wednesday 11 December, 10.30 – 12.30 at Buckinghamshire New University’s High Wycombe campus  – to book via Eventbrite visit High Wycombe Community of Practice

If the session you are interested in is fully booked, please contact HealthInequalitiesCoP@communityimpactbucks.org.uk to be added to a waiting list.

 Who should attend? 

Anyone working on the ‘frontline’ in primary care, mental health services, local authority, and the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector (VCSE), with a common interest in supporting people experiencing health inequalities.  

This could include :

  • Advice workers
  • Advocacy providers
  • Foodbank volunteers
  • Social support workers
  • Staff and volunteers in faith-based or community organisations
  • Outreach workers
  • Homelessness support
  • Substance misuse support
  • Refugees and asylum seeker support
  • Social workers
  • Community nurses
  • Community pharmacists
  • Social prescribers
  • Health and wellbeing coaches
  • Care navigators
  • Mental health practitioners
  • Probation support

This list is not exhaustive. 

This is not a forum for managers or CEOs, but a space encouraging open discussion between those working directly with communities. Individuals will learn from each other, share knowledge, ask questions and explore solutions that will benefit local people.  

If you would like to know more about the Health Inequalities Communities of Practice or would like to be added to the mailing list for its upcoming events, please email HealthInequalitiesCoP@communityimpactbucks.org.uk 

 The Communities of Practice are organised by Community Impact Bucks and Buckinghamshire Health & Social Care Academy. This new initiative is supported by the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB)’s Prevention and Health Inequalities funding. 

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