Collaborative networks
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01. What is a Health Inequality Community of Practice?
A Community of Practice is a group of people who share a common concern (for example 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 on the differences in health across the population and between different groups in society.
02. About our Health Inequalities Communities of Practice
The sessions are located in Aylesbury, Chesham and High Wycombe, and are building local networks which aim to address issues relevant to the area.
Participants have the opportunity to learn, and share knowledge and experience. This learning is helping to deepen understanding of these complex issues, anchored in day-to-day work.
The facilitated meetings are typically held every other month in the three locations, focusing on a specific theme or topic. The majority of meetings are in-person meetings to support collaborative working.
03. Focus of the facilitated meetings
Launched in May 2024, the Health Inequalities Community of Practice sessions have explored issues such as multi-faith perspectives of mental health and how to access support, and Special Educational Needs (SEND).
Different geographical areas will have their own unique issues and topics that are relevant to their community so there will be a chance for participants to shape the agenda for future sessions. Topics from previous sessions include:
- Jargon-busting and highlighting barriers to accessing support.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness for groups who commonly experience health inequalities.
- How best to support young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.
Communities of Practice events
Visit our Training and events page to find out the date and focus of the next Communities of Practice sessions.
If you have any suggestions for meeting topics, please contact the team by emailing HealthInequalitiesCoP@communityimpactbucks.org.uk or calling 0330 236 9350.
Communities of Practice newsletter
Would you like to know more about the Health Inequalities Communities of Practice? Email us to join our mailing list to be notified of upcoming events.
04. Who should attend Health Inequalities Communities of Practice?
Anyone who works or volunteers on the ‘frontline’ in primary care, mental health services, local authority, or the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector (VCSE), with a common interest in supporting people experiencing health inequalities, is welcome.
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.
Participants could include:
Healthcare professionals
For example:
- Community nurses
- Community pharmacists
- Social prescribers
- Mental Health Practitioners
Other community service workers/volunteers
Including:
- Advice workers / volunteers
- Advocacy providers
- Care navigators
- Health and wellbeing coaches
- Social workers
Those providing wider support
Such as:
- People helping refugees and asylum seekers
- Staff or volunteers offering probation support
- Volunteers helping those with addiction/ substance misuse issues
- Outreach workers/volunteers
- Foodbank volunteers
Funded by
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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