Content originally from NHS Mid and South Essex
Welcome to the July edition of Engage, our third newsletter this year.
This month, we’re able to share with you an important update regarding the publication of the draft report of feedback received during the recent NHS consultation for changes to services at community hospitals. More information can be found below.
We also invite you to participate in two important surveys: the Cancer Survey for Southend and the Access to Emergency Contraception Survey. Your valuable feedback will help enhance services in our area. .
We’re also excited to announce an Open Day at the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub, locations where you can explore the facilities, meet the team, and learn more about the services they offer. More details below.
Finally, don’t forget to join us on MSE Virtual Views, our online community dedicated to exchanging views and listening to you, to help us to improve local health and care services. By signing up, you can stay updated on project progress and provide your input to inform future plans, policies, and services of local NHS organizsations. Just click on our sign-up button.
Thank you for being an engaged member of our community.
Draft public consultation feedback report – now available
We would like to thank the thousands of people who took the time to give their views during our public consultation about proposals for changes to services at community hospitals, in the local area.
The draft report of feedback received during the recent NHS consultation, which ran from 25 January to 11 April 2024, has been published on the Virtual Views engagement platform and on the ICB website. Over 5,400 people took part in the public consultation.
People are invited to review the report to make sure it accurately reflects the feedback they provided during the consultation. You can provide your comments by emailing NHSConsultation@WeAreStand.co.uk or by writing to: Stand, Enterprise House, Barnard Castle DL12 8XT, by 31 July 2024.
A public on-line feedback session has been organised to take place on 18th July at 6.30pm, where people can hear directly from the independent analysts who drafted the report. People can register to take part in this event via this link. Participants who have registered will receive a link to the webinar on the day.
The published reports providing the feedback from the public consultation will be presented to the Mid and South Essex ICB Board at their Board meeting on 11 July 2024. No decisions about the proposals in the public consultation will be made at this meeting.
The feedback received will be used to inform the decision-making process, which will be presented at an extraordinary Mid and South Essex ICB Board meeting. This is scheduled to take place as a meeting in public on 30 September 2024. Further information about this meeting will be available on the NHS Mid and South Essex website in due course. At this meeting, all feedback and evidence will be given careful consideration as part of the decision-making process.
Breaking boundaries in research: REN project update from Mid and South Essex
Picture above: Our face-to-face REN Community Champion training session
The Research Engagement Network (REN) project in Mid and South Essex continues to take strides in advancing inclusive health and social care research. Here are our latest updates and success stories:
Baseline Survey Engagement: the feedback gathered from our initial baseline survey, has been crucial in shaping our understanding of community health and social care needs.
Community Engagement and Feedback: Twenty community groups have begun engaging their members, gathering essential insights and feedback around health and care research. Analyst of the responses has been and compiled and a comprehensive report submitted to NHS England. This report identifies key barriers and motivators for research participation, particularly among underrepresented communities.
Community Champion Training: We recently held two REN Community Champion training sessions. Eighteen champions, representing underrepresented communities including, ethnically diverse groups, faith communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with learning disabilities or serious mental illnesses, participated. This training fostered shared experiences and collaboration among the new champions (picture from the day feautured above).
Share your cancer journey: help improve support in Southend
Are you living in Southend? UCL, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust want to hear from you!
They are looking to enhance the lives of people living with cancer through their collaberative ‘Improving Cancer Journeys Learning Programme’. Their goal is to help patients stay in treatment and maintain their quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been affected by cancer, they would like to hear about your experiences to better understand:
- The challenges you have faced or are currently facing
- The support you need to keep your life on track
- Suggestions for how we can improve cancer care
Your feedback is crucial in shaping their efforts to provide better support and services for cancer patients in Southend. Please take a few minutes to share your experiences and insights by completing a survey via the button below.
Not long left: share your opinions on access to emergency contraception!
Emergency contraception is a crucial resource for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. We understand that this is a sensitive and private topic, but we are seeking honest opinions and feedback on personal experiences with accessing emergency contraception.
Your feedback will help the NHS improve services for others in the future. Rest assured, all responses will remain completely anonymous.
The survey will close on Monday, 15 July, so please share your views before the deadline. Thank you for your time and participation.
Discover the future of community health: Come along to the Health, Wellbeing, and Care Hub open day on July 18th!
The Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub invites you to their Open Day on Thursday, 18th July, at the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub at Clingoe House, Knowledge Gateway, University of Essex.
This is an opportunity to explore their facilities, meet the team, and learn more about their vision for the future of health and wellbeing in our community.
The Open Day will include guided tours allowing you to see first hand the resources and services they offer. Tours are scheduled to start at 8am, 12pm, and 5pm, catering to various schedules.
During your visit, you’ll have the chance to engage with the team, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of what they do.
If you have any questions or need further information, call 01206 872460. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
Bump to breast support group
Bump to Breast provides friendly and welcoming breastfeeding support groups at various Southend locations each week. At Bump to Breast we are helping with the Southend Supports Breastfeeding Scheme! Do look out for us at community events over the summer, including a Pier Walk on Monday 22 July, Beach Play Ideas on Thursday 25th July, and our usual coffee morning at the Cliffs Pavilion cafe on Friday 26th July.
For more information email eleanorking@southendymca.org.uk or check our Facebook page, Bump to Breast ABSS Breastfeeding Group Support, or look on Instagram -bumptobreastsouthend.
Find out more about this project
Find your voice – online platform
Are you a young person in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, aged 13 and above, looking for inspiration, growth, and fun? Welcome to Find Your Voice: your ultimate destination for a vibrant youth community!
At Find Your Voice (FYV), we’re all about helping you discover your passions, amplify your voice, take meaningful actions, develop essential skills, and nurture your wellbeing. It’s time to embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Imagine having access to a world of opportunities tailored just for you. With our five core themes – Passion, Voice, Action, Skills, and Wellbeing, you can:
Passion: Explore what ignites your inner fire through exciting activities and events that align with your interests.
Voice: Speak up, express yourself, and make your opinions count with the support of like-minded peers and mentors.
Action: Turn your ideas into reality, make a difference to your community, and be a catalyst for positive change.
Skills: Acquire new talents and knowledge, from creative arts to leadership, and become the best version of yourself.
Wellbeing: Prioritise your mental and physical health with resources and activities that promote a balanced and happy life.
The new version of the FYV project has a large digital element to it.
Find out more about the platform here
Mental health champion training
The Mental Health Champions Project is a 7-week program held at the Southend YMCA Eco Hub. It is tailored for two age groups:
- 18 to 24-year-olds on Mondays
- 14 to 17-year-olds on Wednesdays running from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
The program aims to empower youth by teaching them to recognise mental health signs, maintain well-being, initiate difficult conversations, and access support services. It introduces mental health concepts gradually, culminating in a comprehensive all-day training session in the 7th week. Participants have the opportunity to achieve a National Level 2 First Aid in Mental Health certification, valid for 3 years.
SWF Health & Social Care Group 
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