The first draft has been published of the strategy for Population Health. This is the first of the four big areas of work in the Taking Charge Strategy and is about enabling people to take responsibility for keeping themselves and their families more healthy.  This is extremely relevant to very many community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in Greater Manchester – not just those who see themselves as delivering health outcomes. It will cover issues like food, physical activity, volunteering, transport, housing, environment, play and so on. This meeting gives an opportunity to get in early and talk directly to public sector colleagues responsible for developing the strategy. We need to ensure the Strategy is right, that the role of VCSE organisations is covered properly, that the proposals will in fact achieve the intended aim, and that it is deliverable both for people in localities and for communities of identity and experience.

Many of you will remember the huge survey of the residents of Greater Manchester undertaken early this year #TakingChargeTogether which involved mainstream media organisations alongside a big partnership of VCSE and Healthwatch organisations led by GMCVO. Our contribution was to engage more 1,800 people who are less often listened to, through focus groups and participating in the online survey. The findings from the whole survey were quite radical and it is really important that they underpin this strategy.

There will be a short briefing note prepared for delegates giving a summary of the main points and areas you might wish to focus on. The Population Health Strategy can be read on the attachment below and the report of the VCSE/HW findings for #TakingChargeTogether here https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/taking-charge-together-final-report-vcse-and-healthwatch-organisations%E2%80%99-community-engagement-strand

The event is open only to VCSE organisations currently working in Greater Manchester. Private companies, consultants and statutory sector organisations are not eligible.

To register, go to https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=2385