Engagement Champions are individuals working in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector who are trained to engage with the local population In Calderdale on the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board’s behalf and talk to them about changes and developments in health services. Engagement Champions give communities a louder voice and help to make sure that health services are developed in response to the needs of local people.
VAC, as part of the VSI Alliance, offers free training for local people to become Engagement Champions and help local communities to have a say when changes to health services are proposed.
The NHS has a duty to involve local communities when health changes are being considered and the training provides the knowledge and skills needed to carry out engagement and consultation work on behalf of the NHS locally.
Engagement is an ongoing dialogue with the local population which seeks to build up a positive and meaningful relationship.
Consultation is the formal process of asking the public their views on any proposals to change the way a service is provided and delivered.
Engagement Champions are from local voluntary or community organisations*, have strong links to their community and enjoy listening and talking to people. Because their role is to talk to local communities about changes to local health services, it is important they have an interest in health issues.
The mandatory training is spread over 4 half day sessions and has 5 elements, including a practical task:
Because Engagement Champions must have links to a local voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) organisation, that organisation must confirm it meets certain standards. This is to make sure that the organisation can deliver any engagement or consultation activities safely and competently.
If you are interested in taking part in Engagement Champions Programmes, please email engagement@cvac.org.uk .
The sessions are delivered online via Zoom.
Calderdale and Huddersfield Urgent and Emergency Care Board, Calderdale Cares Partnership
The NHS consistently faces significant pressure during the winter months due to increased demand for services caused by cold weather. In recent years, this pressure has extended beyond winter, persisting throughout the entire year.
In support of the ‘Together We Can’ campaign, Engagement Campions were asked to come up with ways of engaging with their communities. Their goals are to increase public knowledge, promote good health and encourage the appropriate use of NHS services.
Locally, the NHS in Calderdale aims to ensure that these crucial messages continue to reach all communities, including those who are seldom heard.
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
Engagement Champions (and Community Voices in Kirklees) supported the consultation on changes to older people’s inpatient mental health services across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.
During the consultation period, Engagement Champions captured feedback from people in their diverse communities about the proposals, supporting the completion of 657 surveys which allowed them to earn funds for their voluntary and community organisation.
