Health and Diversity Network Project , My Community & I
An African saying tells us that you cannot barb someone’s hair in absentia. Meaning that the individual must be present giving their consent and stating their choice. It is on this premise that the Grampian Health and Diversity Network (GH & DN) was born. An initiative implemented by Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) since March 2021 with community engagement and involvement at its core. The overarching goal of this project is to support and empower ethnic minority community members to be the architect of improving their own health by becoming health champions for their communities.
Through this process, they are provided with resources and opportunities to share reliable and culturally adapted health information and raise awareness of any health-related concern, including barriers to access support Health champions also have the opportunity to give feedback on the health initiatives that are of importance to them towards exploring better health outcomes. The information shared focuses on screening and prevention programmes, mental health and living an active lifestyle. This project covers ethnic minority communities across the Grampian region, and we have over 250 Health Champions (volunteers)..
GREC collaborates with a series of partners to deliver this project, including NHS Grampian, University of Aberdeen (UoA), Public Health Scotland (PHS), Aberdeen City Council (ACC), Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP), third sector organisations, religious and community groups.
For instance, collaborating with UoA in research towards understanding reasons for the low uptake of screening programmes among certain ethnic groups. The outcome of which has helped in no small way in message design and communication in reaching diverse population.
In this regard, would you like to be a voice of change on health matters for your family, friends and community?
Register today to start receiving and sharing health information that involves you and your community.
Benefits:
- Culturally adapted and reliable health information.
- Free training / information on a series of topics (e.g., mental health and screening programmes).
- Be part of an extensive network of health champions.
- Certificate of participation.
You can make an impact in healthy living for all.