The health of people in our communities faces a variety of complex and linked challenges, such as the increase in people living with chronic and long-term illness linked to our ageing population and addressing health inequalities. This article emphasises the importance of partnership, which is reflected in CAN’s commitment to working with partners in ensuring fair outcomes for everyone - regardless of where they live or who they are in Norfolk
We often feature articles about the inspiring initiatives happening in response to Covid-19. Except they don’t just happen – they’re the result of innovative, often spontaneous efforts by local individuals who see a need in their community. Mattishall Volunteer Hub (MVH) began life in the very first week of the lockdown in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and is still going strong.
A new report warns of a difficult winter ahead for fuel poor households across the UK in the coming winter, as a potent combination of higher energy use resulting from staying at home for longer is mixed with reductions in income. It is estimated that 25,000 households across Norfolk experience some level of fuel poverty. CAN is committed to tackling these issues and supports a range of initiatives across the county.
The newly formed West Norfolk VCSE Hub provides an excellent mechanism for sharing best practice and opportunities for joined-up thinking. It was established to support discussions about key issues for the voluntary sector and public services in West Norfolk, the aim being to help other sectors work with VCSE organisations to ensure that the people of West Norfolk get the best support and services possible.
The UK’s National Health Service is rated by the US-based Commonwealth Fund as best in the developed world for safety, affordability and efficiency. And we all know it to be one of our most valued and revered welfare institutions. Very occasionally something goes wrong and needs resolving so that everyone involved can learn and move forward. The NHS Complaints Advocoacy SErvice is here to help.
CAN has a special service level agreement with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk (BCKLWN). We deliver a range of services across the Council’s area which, at 556 square miles, is the largest geographic local authority district in Norfolk. And we very much value this relationship.
We’ve seen so much commitment from Norfolk’s VCSE sector in to adapting to new ways of working during COVID-19. Dealing with the impact of social isolation was a primary developmental driver for Aylsham & District Care Trust (ACT) and remains at the heart of their work today, reinforced by additional need triggered by the pandemic.
CAN’s work in organising and delivering Social prescribing in Breckland and West Norfolk has reached more than 1,600 people since its inception, and garnered recognition as a finalist at 2019’s International Social Prescribing Awards. Every individual has their own story in finding their way forward.
Recognition of Community Action Norfolk’s experience in the planning and delivery of Social Prescribing has led to us being commissioned by NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group to deliver professional support and training to the new Primary Care Network Social Prescribing Service.
This week (Monday 1st to Sunday 7th June) is Volunteers’ Week (link). celebrating the time, skills, experience and goodwill given by people up and down the UK.