The development of Local Healthwatch in Kent Part one: key findings
The development of Local Healthwatch in Kent Part one: key findings
The development of Local Healthwatch in Kent Part one: key findings
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All participants shared an aspiration for K LHW to be effective <strong>in</strong> the way<br />
it works with diverse groups <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kent</strong>. It was important that K LHW takes a<br />
proactive approach to identify<strong>in</strong>g groups it will engage, identify<strong>in</strong>g the barriers<br />
they face and develop<strong>in</strong>g concrete and specific strategies to overcome these.<br />
K LHW should be able to evidence how it works with seldom heard groups<br />
from across <strong>Kent</strong>.<br />
<strong>Part</strong> two <strong>of</strong> the report captures a wide range <strong>of</strong> different groups that have<br />
been proposed and champi<strong>one</strong>d by participants. A number <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciples<br />
emerged <strong>in</strong> discussions about how to identify and prioritise these groups:<br />
• Data should be used from the Jo<strong>in</strong>t Strategic Needs Assessment and other<br />
sources<br />
• Data should be triangulated with <strong>in</strong>sight from local community and voluntary<br />
groups who have direct contact with groups<br />
• Individuals stories and experiences are essential to <strong>in</strong>form the engagement<br />
strategy<br />
• It is important to recognise that some groups may be located <strong>in</strong> small parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Kent</strong> whilst others may be distributed across the county<br />
• Health <strong>in</strong>equality data should be l<strong>in</strong>ked to equality and diversity data<br />
• Where there are already exist<strong>in</strong>g networks for these groups across <strong>Kent</strong> K<br />
LHW should make strategic contact with the network coord<strong>in</strong>ators – for<br />
example <strong>in</strong> the case <strong>of</strong> learn<strong>in</strong>g disability and cancer networks<br />
• Different engagement strategies are needed with different groups<br />
<strong>Part</strong>icipants provided many <strong>in</strong>sights and local knowledge about diverse and<br />
seldom heard groups <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kent</strong>. Data <strong>in</strong> part two <strong>of</strong> the report provides a long<br />
list <strong>of</strong> groups but it is recognised that it is still not exhaustive and K LHW will<br />
need to be constantly question<strong>in</strong>g itself and challeng<strong>in</strong>g assumptions about<br />
diversity <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kent</strong>. <strong>The</strong> most frequently menti<strong>one</strong>d groups for K LHW to identify<br />
and engage were:<br />
• Children and young people<br />
• Older people liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> residential and nurs<strong>in</strong>g homes<br />
• Older people with dementia and their carers<br />
• Gypsy and Traveller community<br />
• Young people with mental health needs<br />
• People with learn<strong>in</strong>g disabilities<br />
• Rural populations<br />
22<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>development</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Healthwatch</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kent</strong>: assess<strong>in</strong>g read<strong>in</strong>ess for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Healthwatch</strong>