The partners are very proud to invite to Nottingham Patrick Vernon, the chair of the national HealthWatch advisory group for the Department of Health. Patrick is the Chief Executive of the Afiya Trust, a national charity that works to reduce inequalities in health and social care provision for people from racialised communities. 

This event will help to shape the HealthWatch model for Nottingham. 

The event is being held on Tuesday 22nd May 2012 from 10am – 2pm

This event is being held at the Antenna Media Centre, Beck Street, Nottingham, NG1 1EQ

The aim is to explore how Nottingham’s model for HealthWatch can reflect the needs of BME and low income communities.

The objectives include:

• To provide a national update on HealthWatch
• To detail the responsibilities and remit of HealthWatch
• To define the roles of local people and groups in relation to leading on HealthWatch
• To put forward recommendations for the new model for HealthWatch services in Nottingham.

Spaces are limited and this event is strictly for the community and voluntary sector.

This is a booking only event and further details will be provided upon booking.

Please book by emailing events@brightideasnottingham.co.uk or phone 0115 8379474

Click here to download the flyer for this event

There is a new women’s social group in Nottingham called Nurture Nottingham. Any women can get involved. They have regular meet up’s, events and they have a strong online community.

Find Nurture Nottingham on Facebook or contact Lea Fletcher for more details

Telephone number: 07590505892

Email: fearybeary@yahoo.co.uk

Click here to download the flyer

One of our voulteers wrote an artical about her experiences volunteering which was featured in the Nottingham Post on Monday 23rd April. Elinor has been volunteering with us since the summer of 2010 when she was recruited onto the energy squad since then she has volunteered on many projects and at many events.  

‘You could see the women’s confidence and self-esteem grow, as did mine’

‘I help it raise awareness of issues like mental health at community events by running an information stall.’

‘My role as a committee member includes taking minutes and I’ve chaired one of the meetings too’

‘I love to learn and I learn a lot from volunteering, via the different projects I’m involved with.’

‘I’ve made new friends, learnt more skills, furthered my knowledge considerably and I get out and about a lot more.’

‘I am so glad I became a volunteer as my life has changed so much and for the better. I’d like to encourage everyone to try volunteering, it’s so rewarding and it makes a huge difference to people’s lives. It truly is a wonderful and worthwhile experience’.

‘Hopefully, I’m helping Bright Ideas to achieve its aim of getting the word across to people about the important issues and topics they’re promoting’

‘The best bit about volunteering? All of it. The hardest bit? I haven’t come across that yet and to be honest, I don’t think I will.’

Click here to read Elinor’s full artical.

Champions of Change cancer services is being launched on Wednesday 25th April at an event called Food Nutrition and Cancer Conference held by BME Cancer Communities. The event is being held at Conference Room Nottingham Community & Voluntary Centre7 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3FB at 9.30 till 3pm.

Themes:
– Food, Nutrition & Cancer
– Dealing with Confusing Messages
– Supportive Nutrition throughout Your Cancer Journey
– Your Local NHS Catering Service
– Hospital Menus

To book your place contact BME Cancer Communities, email: events@bmecancer.com or phone 0115 9348482

The day will include official opening by Councillor Merlita Bryan, Introducing GNCF  by Anne Singh from Greater Nottingham Cancer Forum, Introducing BME Community Champions (NCAT funded)  by Lisa Jackson from Bright Ideas, presentation by Rachel Clark, Health Promotion Officer, from World Cancer Research Fund about Diet and Cancer Reducing your cancer risk and much more!

Click here to download the flyer

‘Champions of Change’ has been commissioned by the National Cancer Action Team (NCAT), as part of its ‘Cancer does not discriminate’ campaign. The campaign aims to provide a voice to people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities affected by cancer, so that NHS cancer services can be improved to meet the needs of all people affected by cancer. It also aims to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of cancer.

Champions of Change, is being run by Bright Ideas Nottingham and BME Cancer Communities. Champions are local people from visible and non-visible Black and minority ethnic groups.  Together they volunteer their time to provide their views and opinions. They help to make recommendations about cancer services and related health and well being services in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Champions also feed into a national network called the National BME Cancer Voice. Champions of Change is made up of

• Network Champions
• Community Troupe Champions

What’s in it for me?

• Satisfaction in knowing you are helping to shape services for the better
• The opportunity to influence national agendas
• Support with getting your voice heard or helping others to get their voice heard
• Access to a support group
• Access to a trained counsellor
• Access to WRAP (Wellness Recovery and Action Planning) sessions and other FREE training
• Increase your knowledge about health and well being issues and local services
• Learn new skills and develop existing skills
• Increase your confidence
• Out of pocket expenses

How do I become a Champion of Change?

First of all you need to register your interest with Lisa Jackson, the Champions of Change Facilitator who will arrange a convenient time and place to meet with you.

She will talk you through the Champions of Change service in more detail. She will then discuss with you how you would like to be involved and answer any questions you have.

If you decide to join Champions of Change we will welcome you to register your full interest by completing a brief joining form. You will be taken through an induction and you will receive a volunteer pack. During this time you will be able to discuss any support and training needs you may have.

To find out more about Champions of Change, contact Lisa Jackson

Email: lisaj@brightideasnottingham.co.uk

Number: 07989 302 571

Champions of Change is brought to you by Bright Ideas Nottingham and BME Cancer Communities on behalf of the National Cancer Action Team which is a national NHS cancer team.

Champions of Change (Mental Health), alongside a range of mental health service providers, received the following request from NHS Nottingham City.

“We are currently reviewing all advocacy services currently provided in the City and the County. Following this review we need to make some decisions about what advocacy will look like in the future, how it will be delivered and who will be able to access it. We would be interested in your views on this and would be grateful if you could answer the questions below. If you are able to feed any service user thoughts/comments into this process that would be extremely useful.

1. What currently works well?

2. Are there any gaps in provision?

3. Given that people who use services will have much greater control over their care in the future, for example through purchasing their own services through individual budgets – what role would you like Advocacy to play in this new way of giving and receiving care?

4. Any other comments.”

To read the Champions’ responses, click the link below!

Champions’ Views on Advocacy Services Report