Health Trainers Initiative
The Health Trainers initiative initially started up as a pilot programme in Tower Hamlets funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF). Since the launch of the project, the scheme has been a huge success and now has been mainstreamed by the Tower Hamlets PCT for a further two years. Elite Youth is one of the appointed host organisations amongst three others who have been selected for their capacity and skills resources to be able to develop and deliver the Health Trainers programme to a wide range of populations with diverse health needs as well as the commitment and systems to support the career development of local people in the Health Trainers role.
The Tower Hamlets PCT recognises the skills, expertise and capacity within the voluntary/community sector to work with socially excluded and vulnerable communities, as well as, a wealth of experience of working with local people to develop their confidence and skills to be able to access the job market, which is why this programme (Health Trainers) is being delivered through the voluntary and community sector.
The scheme follows recommendations made in the government’s white paper ‘Choosing Health: making healthier choices easier’ and is part of the government’s plans to encourage healthier lifestyles after evidence of widespread obesity and ill-health. The move reflects the concerns raised by local communities over the inequality of standards of health. “Health inequalities are the result of a complex and wide-ranging network of factors. People who experience material disadvantage, poor housing, lower educational attainment, insecure employment or homelessness are among those more likely to suffer poorer health outcomes and an earlier death compared with the rest of the population.” (Department of Health, 2007)
About the Initiative
Elite Youth Health Trainers are a new workforce recruited from within the community to support local people and communities so they can improve their health. All the trainers have past experience of working within the community, and some have various qualifications in health and social care.
The Health Trainers will be visible and accessible to local people, proactively engaging individuals through the settings they work in. They will be able to receive and access referrals from professional groups, and direct people to local services through their knowledge of the area. They will motivate and help people to set goals by developing personal health plans, give practical support to carry out those plans and identify with the individuals their barriers to change. They will act as a crucial link between professionals and communities, translating health messages into actions that take account of individual circumstances. The plan represents a dramatic shift away from emergency treatment and more towards prevention.
Under the programme, people can be referred to the ‘Health Trainers’ by their GP or Health Practitioner after undergoing tests similar to those undertaken for a gym induction such as blood pressure and body mass index. But it is also hoped the public may also refer themselves after coming across the trainers on outreach schemes. The initiative is targeted at the most disadvantaged areas to make it easier for individuals in these communities to make healthier choices. The trainers have the experience and understanding of what it means to live, or be part of, their community. Their diversity, including age, ethnicity, race and gender reflects the local area they will be working in.
Programme Delivery
The Health Trainers will help to develop the service so that it works well, both for the Health Trainer and for the people they are working with. A delivery plan has been put in place to ensure that the programme meets its objectives. The plan provides a rich source of evidence about some of the issues and needs of the local community, how to plan strategically and engaging local residents in the processes. Fundemental to the plan is that effective community work requires a holistic / joined-up approach. Therefore, the Health Trainers will be working in partnership with various stakeholders aswell.
Below are some of the services that the Health Trainers team at Elite Youth deliver:
- To run workshops on smoke cessation, healthy eating and healthy living;
- To offer practical advice and one-to-one support;
- To provide opportunities for a range of physical activities;
- and to sign post people into services, activities, support and specialist organisations relevant to supporting their health and health needs.
Are NHS Health Trainers for me?
If you would like more help and support to eat healthily, become more active, become smokefree and / or drink sensibly or want to find out what you can access in your local area i.e health walks, luncheon clubs, fitness classes, then Health Trainers are for you.
How can I access the service?
This is a free service and you can arrange for a Health Trainer to see you by contacting either Shelim or any of the Health Trainers below, who will then allocate you to the most appropriate Health Trainer to support you in meeting your goal.
Shelim Shakir – Health Trainer Team Leader
Shamimuz Zaman – Health Trainer
Shilpi Begum – Health Trainer
Shajue Begum – Health Trainer
Hamida Begum – Health Trainer
Tel – 020 7247 8080Email – Shelim.Shakir@eliteyouth.org
Shilpi Begum / Shajue Begum / Hamida Begum – Health Trainers
Womens Office – 020 7377 8429
Click here to download video about Elite Youth Health Trainers (25MB)