core 20PLUS

By starting conversations with people in the community, the Core20PLUS Connectors Programme aimED to establish what the barriers WERE to accessing healthcare services and preventing people who are living with poor health receive the care they need to help them to live happier, healthier and longer lives.

Since April 2022 Devon has been one of 12 pilot sites across England exploring health inequalities.

This research had been carried out in two different locations where there are known health inequalities: Ilfracombe (coastal deprivation) and North Dartmoor (rural deprivation.)

Core20PLUS focused on addressing inequalities over 5 specific health outcomes: ensuring continuity of care for mothers pre and post birth; early cancer and high blood pressure diagnoses; mental health; and uptake of vaccines to reduce respiratory diseases. However the Core20PLUS case studies also encompass a broad range of other health concerns that are arising through conversations with the community.

This research is delivered via community conversations held where people already go – over a cup of tea in the cafe, a chat in the local library or connecting at a local social group. The VCSE organisations are taking an authentic grassroots approach to capturing community views to reduce the barriers people might face in having their voices heard.

We have been able to draw out some of main themes that people are facing, painting a complex picture of different factors and barriers which are preventing people accessing the care that they need.

The services when they are received are first class. Professional, caring and compassionate ……… If you can get over the multiple barriers to access them in the first place!

We are collecting stories until the end of August 2023. The Core20PLUS team will be drawing together the qualitative evidence of experiences to identify the common themes and contrasts between the two areas.
 

If you would like to contribute a story please get in touch with camilla@wellmoor.org.uk or, call the office on 01647 478 378