Write a commentAward Certificates were presented just before Christmas to Volunteers from across Newry and Mourne in recognition of their Community Health Champions OCN Level 2 Award.
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Community Health Champions are people who, with training and support, voluntarily bring their ability to relate to people and their own life experience to transform health and well-being in their communities.
Empowering communities to improve health and wellbeing is a central theme in Making Life Better, and is a key priority for the Southern Trust. The Trust worked in partnership with Neighbourhood Renewal and the Big Lottery funded ‘REACH’ project (who jointly funded the training of the Community Health Champions) to address issues that impact on our health and wellbeing, particularly amongst those in our communities who need additional support.
Community Development & Health Network (CDHN) delivered the Community Health Champions training over three days which addressed the social model of health and community empowerment.
According to the World Health Organisation: “Health for all will be achieved by people themselves, A well informed, well-motivated and actively participating community is a key element for the attainment of the common goal.”
Mr Fergal O’Brien, Newry & Mourne Promoting Wellbeing Manager for the Southern Trust said: “The Community Health Champions have brought a wealth of life experience to the table and clear leadership qualities. I believe that building productive relationships and partnerships within communities bring a range of skills, knowledge, experience and resources to address issues that impact on our health and wellbeing – particularly among those in our communities who need additional support.”
