A group of volunteers who came together to help their local communities during the pandemic are continuing to improve Nottingham’s health and wellbeing.
Supported by Nottingham City Council and local NHS services, the Health and Wellbeing Community Champions are trusted voices from Nottingham’s diverse community. They work in their local neighbourhoods and signpost people to advice and support on health matters – as well as promoting ways to improve general wellbeing.
Nottingham’s Community Champions were first established in 2021, to help support the Covid vaccination programme and work within the community to identify concerns and provide relevant information.
Since Covid, the role has changed and now involves helping to encourage and support residents to improve their quality of life and general health and wellbeing. They also work with Nottingham City Council to build on its understanding of issues and concerns within the city, helping to shape future health and wellbeing priorities.
Since the beginning of the program, the champions have facilitated and supported more than 300 community health and wellbeing events and carried out a number of neighbourhood engagement projects.
Earlier this month, a quarterly networking event took place, bringing together Champions and health and wellbeing partners from across the city, such as Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS), the NHS, Changing Futures and community groups, to share knowledge and take part in interactive workshops to develop their health and wellbeing skills, which can then be used to help people within the community.
Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m really proud of the way our Community Champions are building on the great work started during the pandemic. They continue to help our local communities improve their general health and wellbeing, by using their valuable skills for the benefit of others.
“Volunteering can be so rewarding, not only for those who volunteer but for those people and organisations they help. It can really help make a positive difference to people’s lives.
“You don’t need any special skills or experience to be a Health and Wellbeing Community Champion. Just a commitment to make a different in your community – we’ll make sure you get all the training and support you need.”
Those wanting to find out more about Nottingham’s Health and Wellbeing Champions or to express interest in becoming Community Champion volunteer, visit: www.healthynottingham.co.uk/community-champions/