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Eagles encourage community health improvement network
18th May 2009
'Rugby tackle' gets a whole new meaning this week when Sheffield Eagles stars pay tribute to graduates of a health course helping to transform lives.
The rugby stars will join NHS Sheffield to say thank you to people from across the city whose determination to tackle health problems in their area meant giving up their own time to complete the 14-week course.
The event, on Tuesday 19 May, will involve past learners speaking about their personal stories of success. Advice and guidance will also be available from a range of organisations including Voluntary Action Sheffield and Jobnet.
Over 700 students have completed the Introduction to Community Development and Health (ICDH) course, supported by NHS Sheffield, Sheffield City Council and the Big Lottery Well Being Fund, since it began 12 years ago. The course runs simultaneously in a number of communities across the city including Parson Cross, Burngreave, Manor & Castle, Jordanthorpe, Upperthorpe, Tinsley and Norfolk Park and is provided free of charge to the communities.
The course enables learners to explore issues around what affects an individual’s health and well-being, and develop an understanding of how to improve it at a community level. It is a key element of NHS Sheffield’s Healthier Communities programme, and has empowered people to improve their health and become advocates for health in their own area.
Penny Stanley, 34 from Parson Cross, a past learner and organiser of the event, said: “I completed the ICDH course in 2006. At the time I was suffering from depression and it offered everything that I needed - crèche facilities for my son, and free transport.
I heard about the course from another community project, and over the 14 weeks my confidence grew and grew. It was great meeting with friends - it acted like a community network.
“I passed the course with a level 3 pass - that’s quite a high grade and I never expected to get it, which encouraged me to do more after completing the course. So the next year I shadowed a leader of the course and now I’m a trainer myself.
“The key aspect about the course is how it breaks down the mental and physical health barriers in the community - people gain so much confidence and will no longer feel isolated, it’s brilliant for personal development.
“The event has been organised so all past learners who have grown in confidence, like me, can continue to develop skills and keep the positive momentum going. Hopefully from this event we can form a past learner network and support each other in accessing further opportunities.”
Elaine Goddard, Community Development and Health Programme Manager for NHS Sheffield, said “The course has a proven track record of empowerment- building skills and confidence, and it enables learners to move on into further learning, voluntary work or accessing employment.
“The repercussions for the neighbourhoods involved are huge. In particular, course graduates become positive role models in the area as they not only learn about improving their own health but that of their family, friends and the community where they live, work or volunteer.”
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