Reducing health and care inequalities with public health messaging

As of September 2025, Trusted Voices is on hold pending further funding being identified. We remain committed to the work and engaging with local communities.

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