Empowerment Programme for Inclusive Community Health (EPIC Health) linked 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 

EPIC Health brought together voluntary and community sector organisations and groups, statutory and health stakeholders to address the health inequalities in City and Hackney.  

We held strategic groups that enable partners to collaborate, share insights and expertise.

We aimed to ensure the VCS has an equitable voice in shaping priorities at place-based board level.

We were 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 and forum was open to anyone who provides health, care or wellbeing support to the community.

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)  

• Hackney Refugee and Migrant Forum  

• Mental Health Strategic Group 

• Long-Term Health and Care Strategic Group – 

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

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.