Empowerment Programme for Inclusive Community Health (EPIC Health) links the health system and the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in City and Hackney by providing opportunities for groups and organisations to connect and communicate, ensuring the inclusion of smaller groups 

Previously known as VCS Enabler, EPIC Health brings together Voluntary Community Sector organisations and groups, statutory and health stakeholders to address the health inequalities in City and Hackney.  

We hold strategic groups that enable partners to collaborate, share insights and expertise. We’re passionate about the VCS having an equitable voice in shaping priorities at place-based board level. We’re proactive and responsive, achieving change through these principles: 

Convene: Forums and spaces for City and Hackney change-makers to identify solutions. 

Amplify/Advocate: Key issues faced by VCS organisations and their clients at place-based meetings. 

Resource: Community members through coaching, training, spaces to convene and funding. 

Effect change: Shape policies and inform strategies to address health inequalities at key ICS and place-based board meetings. 

Each strategic group/forum is open to anyone who provides health, care or wellbeing support to the community. The forums are a valuable platform to network and collaborate across the health, statutory and voluntary and community sector.
 

EPIC Health Strategic Group and Forums  

• The Health and Social Care Forum (HSCF) – contact Shamima Aktar.

• Hackney Refugee and Migrant Forum –contact Soraya Akrouche.

• Mental Health Strategic Group – contact Shamima Aktar.

• Long-Term Health and Care Strategic Group – contact Shamima Aktar.

• Children and Families Forum (0-18 years, and  to 25 with additional needs) – contact Jahada Abdul 

EPIC Health Programme Manager, Helen Animashaun, contact Helen 

The Health and Social Care Forum (HSCF) is a network of voluntary and community sector groups with an interest in health and social care. Meetings are open to any interested individuals or groups. HSCF aims to ensure: 

• The VCS perspective is heard in the Health and Social Care planning and commissioning of services. 

• We have accountable and supported VCS representatives in Health and Social Care planning and commissioning meetings. 

• The VCS have opportunities to network and share good practice. 

• The VCS have access to quality information on local & national policy, planning and funding that will assist them to deliver quality services. 

Networking Opportunities 

Come along to our Coffee Mornings to network, share information and find out about new projects in the community. 

Our Coffee Morning in Hackney takes place at Hackney CVS, The Adiaha Antigha Centre 24-30 Dalston Lane, London E8 3AZ.  Book here 

Our Coffee Morning in City of London takes place at Portsoken Community Centre, 20 Little Somerset Street, London E1 8AE. Book here 

EPIC Health also has an overarching strategic leadership group made of  20 VCS leads in City and Hackney.

VCS Leadership Group Aims:  

• Ensure the expertise of the VCS sector is recognised and integrated into the Integrated Care System (ICS).  

• Influence and support system change on behalf of the VCS in City and Hackney  

• Lever more resources into the VCS with increased usage and evidenced outcomes for residents Develop and deliver strategy 

• Drive the strategic lead of the diversity of the VCS and be accountable to the wider VCS. 

In 2023, Berni Graham was commissioned to create an independent evaluation of the first two years of the  EPIC Health (VCS Enabler Programme). It has helped us to understand the benefits to the health and social care sector, particularly VCS and statutory partners towards the same objectives, and recommendations for developing the programme for future years. You can read the VCS Enabler Independent Evaluation Report June 2023 by clicking this link or read the Executive Summary.