Stronger Connections for Better Health
Health and social care is one of the main fields of activity for voluntary and community organisations.
It is estimated that 54% of all people employed in VCOs work in social care – and 22% of volunteers are engaged in health and disability related activities.
A high proportion of VCOs engaged in health and care work are relatively small and will never be part of the commissioning and contracting market – yet they play a critical role in addressing health inequalities and improving public health and well-being.
The regional dimension to public policy and strategy in health and care public sector has become increasingly important in recent years. The establishment of regional strategic health authorities, co-terminus with government offices and RDAs, the development of strategic regional public health functions (within government offices), the work of the Care Services Improvement Partnership which has a regional structure and most recently, the creation of Department of Health sponsored deputy director positions in government offices are evidence of this.
So it is particularly welcome that Regional Voices have recently secured a three-year grant from the Department of Health under their Strategic Partners programme.
Emma Easton is the Project Manager for ‘Stronger Connections for Better Health’. Emma is based at Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Forum – contact Emma on Emma.Easton@regionalforum.org.uk or call 0113 394 2300.
For more information on the Stronger Connections for Better Health Project click here.