Reducing health and care inequalities with public health messaging

The Trusted Voices Project continues to be a driving force in tackling health and care inequalities across Dorset. Launched in partnership with Public Health Dorset and Dorset Community Action in 2020, this initiative empowers a network of community champions to bridge the gap between statutory services and at-risk populations.

Our impact

• Empowering communities: Our network of Trusted Voices Champions continues to grow, fostering collaboration and information sharing. Once focused on Covid-19 messaging, through ongoing engagement with the Champions, we evolved to include topics like mental health and cost of living. 
• Tailored health messaging: We consistently review and curate messaging with Champions, ensuring clarity and cultural sensitivity for diverse communities.
• Community-led initiatives: Over 100 Trusted Voices across the county of Dorset from marginalised communities are currently co-producing awareness sessions on mental health and wellbeing, self-advocacy and healthy lifestyles with a range of organisations involved in the project. These include for example:
  • Sex With A Difference: raising awareness and support of disabled people’s sexual health  
  • Dorset Children’s Foundation: dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities 
  • Bournemouth Malayalee Association: a group of more than 150 families, who settled here from different parts of Kerala 
  • Dorset Mind: who aim to create a community where living with and talking about mental health becomes acceptable for everyone. 
  • Dorset Blind: who support blind and partially sighted people in Dorset to live happy lives. 
  • Nigerian Community in Dorset: for Nigerians living in Dorset encouraging and nurturing unity. 

Moving forward

We are committed to

• Expanding our network of Trusted Voices Champions to reach even more communities.
• Adapting our approach to meet evolving health needs and challenges.
• Fostering strong partnerships across Dorset.

For more information about the project or to join us as a Trusted Voices Champion contact Hannah Rees, Engagement Lead, hannah.rees@can100.org