Let’s take a look at what’s been happening across the UK’s integrated care systems, including the developmental updates of Bassetlaw’s new Bridge hub, funding for creative community projects and a regional grant tackling health inequalities.
Launch of the Creative Health Associates Programme
The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) has recently announced the launch of the Creative Health Associates Programme; funded by Arts Council England and delivered by NCCH.
The Creative Health Associates programme will see seven Creative Health Associates from each of the seven NHS regions working to embed creative approaches and activities in health and care systems across the country.
This programme will support the NCCH’s ambition to enable creative health as an integral part of health and care – demonstrating the beneficial power of culture and creativity on the lives of people across various communities.
The Creative Health Associates programme has seen £600,000 being invested over a period of 18 months and is expected to make a significant contribution to Arts Council England’s Creative Health and Wellbeing plan, by promoting creative health as a fundamental part of living well and providing opportunities for creativity, particularly for underserved groups and those experiencing health inequalities.
Fellowship cohort opens for applications in West Yorkshire
The Fellowship, West Yorkshire’s leadership development programme aimed specifically at colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds working within health and care, has opened for applications.
The programme, open to individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds working in health and care organisations across West Yorkshire, aims to increase the diversity of leaders within health and care roles across the region. Since its launch in 2020, around twenty people have completed or are currently undertaking the programme.
Applications opened this week on 24 April and close on 16 June 2023, with the programme set to start in September 2023. More application on the programme and how to apply can be found here.
The Bridge Skills Hub opens
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICS has announced the official opening of its brand new skills and education facility, The Bridge Skills Hub.
£3.5 million from D2N2’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ was awarded to the council, enabling them to refurbish the long standing vacant building and creating an opportunity to support 300 learners across a range of subjects including leadership, health and social care, and management.
The first students, businesses and learners joined The Bridge’s modern and inspirational building in April last year. During the first year, the Hub has seen 80 students enrol on higher education programmes, including higher-level apprenticeships, foundation degrees, access to HE courses and degree top up courses. It is estimated that over 450 participants have attended Futures’ Restart Scheme, with over 85 of these now in employment.
Dr Victoria McGregor-Riley, locality director for the Bassetlaw Place Based Partnership, said: “This fantastic facility gives people access to education and training that will support them, and hopefully, result in them finding health and care employment here in Bassetlaw. It is wonderful to see The Bridge officially open.”
Community grant funds Health Inequalities project
In partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), Hail Weston Parish Council has launched their Health Inequalities Project, funded through Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System.
Hail Weston Parish Council is one of the 15 groups working on the Health Inequalities Project, and has been awarded a further £3,200 following the completion of a community consultation which saw residents asked what they would like to see in their local area to address health needs.
Throughout 2023, Hail Weston will offer a range of activities delivered by the One Leisure Active Lifestyles Team. The activities will include strength and balance training, stretching and relaxation sessions, older adult circuits, summer sports and walking sports.
In addition, younger residents will be able to enjoy activities such as forest school and craft sessions, which will take place during the summer holidays. The activities will provide opportunities for creative expression; helping boost children’ confidence through problem solving.
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