Mark Gamsu, Visiting Professor - Leeds Metropolitan University
This is a blog about local democracy and health.
At the moment it is purely the work of Mark Gamsu – but he will be joined by other colleagues, peers and friends as it develops.
The basic premise of the blog is that we could be better at improving health and well being and reducing health inequalities if we fostered a more collaborative relationship with citizens and communities – particularly those who experience the highest level of disadvantage.
A collaborative relationship – means one that recognises that any dialogue about health or equality has to be one that is also about power; how it is used, shared, controlled and influenced.
The blog documents actions, reflections and ideas as they emerge.
Read more about Mark and his blogs at:
http://localdemocracyandhealth.com/about/
Karl James, writer
Karl talks about his experiences of meeting Community Health Champion, Lisa Cox at Downing Street in May 2011.
Extract:
So I told her that I thought what she'd achieved was amazing. And I told her that I thought other people might think so too; that she might inspire other people. I told her that of course it was her choice. And then I asked if she felt she might be ready | Her eyes smiled.| "Try me."
Follow this story and read more from Karl at:
http://understandingdifference.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html
Caroline Waugh, Community Health Champion from Sheffield
Caroline describes her blog as...
"The Title? Doesn't Sweat Much For a Fat Lass, You’d call me a liar, if you'd just seen me cycling back from my Mum’s on my Recumbent Trike.
This blog is written and owned by me, and it's about the triumphs and tribulations, of my day....funny...sad....informative....boring? But always honest. All the things that I am involved in, at Cycling for All, Hillsborough Park Sheffield, how being a Community Health Champion, has helped me do this.
I am an unassuming single Mum who has a physical disability. I help train others to cycle on a suitable cycle chosen from a variety of 2, 3, 4 or hand cycles. I do this along with other staff employed by the Cycle Touring Club. I also help regularly on the Cycle For Health groups that run at Endcliffe and Hillsborough Parks in Sheffield, For details on any of the above contact me on cardouglas10@hotmail.com or phone Steve Marsden on 0114 2500613. Oh and I also do a bit of work for Adult Social Care, SCBIRT, and am currently writing a capbook called Headlines with 5 other brain injured people."
http://iaintnotomato.blogspot.com/
Sarah Frost, Learning Network Development Manager, Altogether Better
In 2011, Sarah was awarded a Travelling Fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to travel to Canada, the USA and South Africa to explore community engagement approaches to improving well-being and increasing social capital. She is particularly interested in the role of asset based community development (ABCD) in achieving and maintaining well-being. Sarah’s blog details her adventures travelling and her wide-ranging work with Altogether Better.
Read more at:
http://sarahefrost.blogspot.com/