DeafCOG Launch Community Connect Project
On Friday 18 November 2016, Deaf Cultural Outreach Group (DeafCOG) launches a Big Lottery funded project that focuses on Combating Loneliness in Older Deaf People, through peer support and IT knowledge development.
DeafCOG will also coordinate and manage other community engagement activities for adults over the next year to shape and improve the health and wellbeing of the Deaf Community in East Sussex.
This project has grown from DeafCOG’s activity in East Sussex since 2010 and from its involvement in the East Sussex Better Together (ESBT) programme, which is currently developing a fully integrated health and social care system in East Sussex. This new model will begin a test phase in April 2017, completing the programme in 2018.
DeafCOG is an active member of the Engagement and Communication Advisory Group for ESBT. We are a Deaf-led organisation, we know our community’s strengths and are part of that community. Our positive ‘can do’ attitude towards deafness has put us in a strong position to be part of future integrated services.
The Annual Report of the Director of Public Health 2014/15 ‘Growing resilience in East Sussex’ (DPH Report 14/15), outlines the benefits of developing strong resilient communities to improve health outcomes for local people.
Kim Wyer, DeafCOG Project Lead and PA Community Co-ordinator:
“We, the Deaf community, recognise a strong community ensures that everyone in it is supported appropriately, empowering members to tackle issues collectively and collaboratively to ensure the wellness of all”.
We will continue our work with local services and providers supporting people with real lived community knowledge to make positive changes.
Government cuts mean that money needs to be spent wisely. In the long term the integrated social and health care model will be cost effective and provide improved health outcomes, helping to reduce inequality in East Sussex.
The UK Government recognises and identifies the causes of health inequality as:
- Social, economic, environmental g.; housing, jobs, education, transport, income
- Lifestyles and behaviour g.; smoking, diet, exercise
- Access to Services g. Access to services and support that will benefit their health.
National research carried out by The Deaf Health Charity – Sign Health, through the ‘Sick of It Report’, highlights health inequality for Deaf people in the UK.
We hope to see you at the Community Connect Launch on:
Friday 18 November 2016 at Eastbourne Town Hall, in the Court Room. https://goo.gl/maps/feTfC4TeQ422
Arrival 09.30; refreshments, stalls and network.
10.00 – 12.00; Welcome Presentations and group discussions.
12.30 – 14.30; for those that wish to continue talking to us, you are warmly invited to join us for some lunch at The Dolphin Pub https://goo.gl/maps/Vw1Yc74uNtR2
This is an opportunity:
- To learn about/enrol in the various activities planned by DeafCOG for 2016/17 in East Sussex.
- For providers to engage with the Deaf Community, learn more about what DeafCOG can offer; including our partnership PA Community Service with Action Deafness.
- For you to tell us how you would like to see our work in East Sussex developing in the future.
- To explore potential opportunities to work with us, in both voluntary and paid capacities.
You will be able to meet with: DeafCOG, Action Deafness, BSL Healthy Minds, part of Sign Health Charity and East Sussex Public Health Department and our guest speaker Damian Brewer; who will talk about Deaf people’s experiences of accessing A&E services and the Accessible Information Standard.
So, why don’t you book your tickets now?
If you wish to attend, please ensure you reserve your tickets here: https://deafcog-communityconnect.eventbrite.co.uk/
