By Ellen Higgins, CAN Trusted Reviewer
Links from the heart of our communities through to our larger statutory partners supported the recent coming together of community groups and health services through a fantastic event, a great example of connection driving better health.
Held in a vibrant Southbourne community space, the event brought together Nigerian Community Dorset, Dorset HealthCare and LiveWell Dorset in an informal, celebratory setting. With free health checks, winter vaccinations and plenty of opportunities to network, ‘Together for Health’ was a warm, welcoming space to learn from our ethnically diverse communities in Dorset and people’s experience of healthcare and vaccines, discussing what can support an increase in confidence around vaccines.
The feedback says it all: “Thank you. It was a great evening and such a lovely group of people. I’d be very happy to be involved in the future,” said Suzanne Charles, Matron, Integrated Vaccination Service, Dorset HealthCare
“Thank you so much Sam, you and your team are doing a great job. It gladdens my heart that we can reach out to a lot of people in the community. The connection and the show of love is impressive. Thank you,” said Foluke Ijaola, Healthcare Assistant, Dorset HealthCare
“It was a great event yesterday, and we enjoyed every moment,” said Azukaego Umeononigwe, Nigerian Community Dorset
“It was wonderful to see our friends from Nigerian Community Dorset alongside the brilliant vaccination team from Dorset HealthCare and our colleagues at LiveWell Dorset. Everyone was sharing stories, experiences, and expertise, and the buzz in the room was incredible! This is what happens when services and communities come together to support health and wellbeing. It feels like the start of something really special, and CAN are proud to have played a part in bringing people together,” said Samantha Bingham, Development Manager, CAN
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and made this event a true celebration of community and collaboration.
