Annual Report 2016 - 2017
Contents Please click the sections below to be taken to the relevant page
Introduction
1
Objectives For 2016/ 2017
2
Advisory Group
3
Membership
4
Website
5
Shared Practice Toolkit And Database
6
Conferences, Seminars and Events
7
Future Plans
8
Further Information
Introduction Following the launch of the revamped Public Health Network Cymru two years ago, the network has gone from strength to strength. Like everyone else in the country, we have had to adapt to an ever more economically challenging environment but with both the excellent work of the team and the superb support of our members we have been able to continue to provide a high quality range of support as evidenced by the feedback from our partners and members. The strength of the network lies in the collective expertise and experience of the members and we have seen that harnessed both through the events we have facilitated and the excellent contributions we regularly receive for our popular ebulletins. The democratic empowerment model we have adopted has meant that the members themselves have shaped the events we facilitate, the capacity building we seek to offer and the developments of the website and other services we provide. And it is this enthusiastic active engagement that we aim to build on as we move forward, exploiting the resources that we do have available to us and keeping up with a continually evolving digital world.
Malcolm Ward Principal Health Promotion Specialist; Policy, Research and International Development
Objectives for 2016 / 2017 Public Health Network Cymru aims to create a network of interest for all those working on public health issues in Wales with quality timely advice, information and support. Its objectives are as follows: To provide and maintain a dynamic, engaging and attractive web portal that provides instant access to comprehensive public health information, current and emerging news items, video feeds, research and evidence briefings and communities of interest. To help inform and support public health policy development and best public health practice through a range of quarterly topical events including seminars and conferences. To promote and support good public health practice through the development and dissemination of a downloadable online good practice toolkit and database. To respond in a timely manner to new and emerging public health issues with interactive forums and the opportunity to participate in online communities. The remit of the network includes: Providing support and guidance to the wider public health workforce. Organising and promoting regional and national events on themed public health topics. Producing and disseminating e-bulletins to registered members of the network. Developing and maintaining a series of databases to support practitioners in their ongoing public health development. Promoting and supporting good practice in public health initiatives
Advisory An Advisory Group was established to oversee and guide the work of Public Health Network Cymru. The multi-disciplinary group represents the Network’s members, and aims to encourage people to work more collaboratively in Wales. It consists of representatives from across sectors, disciplines and geographies that have a role to play in improving the health of the population in Wales. ‘Terms of reference’ are in place for the members of the group and were agreed and ratified at the inaugural meeting on 24 March 2016 and will be reviewed annually. The call for volunteers for the Advisory Group highlighted the enthusiasm and range of interests and experience amongst members that could never be fully exploited from the Advisory Group alone and so a wider ‘Reference Group’ of members was established. They provide a cohort of broad experience and knowledge that the network team can tap into when members have questions or need advice that falls outside their professional expertise. Details of the Advisory and Reference group members can be found at: http://www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/en/about-us/public-health-network-cymru-advisory-group/ An important new aspect of the network is the role in supporting and promoting the work of members at the local level and in order to optimise the connections at this level a number of member volunteers were recruited to act as ‘Local Champions’. Their role is to act as a conduit for the network channelling information back to the network team so that it can be shared more widely whilst also cascading information from the team back into the local area.
Membership Public Health Network Cymru was launched in May 2015. Since then the number of registered members of the network continues to increase with 1,004 members as of 30 March 2017. Registered members of the Network receive up-to-date information on Public Health activity across Wales. This includes ebulletins, access to members-only features on the website, invitations to conferences and seminars run by Public Health Network Cymru, and the opportunity to inform future seminars and conferences. There are a large range of professionals registered with the network including Community Workers, Environment Professionals, Ward Managers, Project Managers, Directors, Occupational Therapists, Public Health Practitioners, Teachers and other professionals from all sectors and parts of Wales and beyond.
Website Since its launch in May 2015 the website continues to evolve, with the addition of new topic pages, news and events added on a daily basis, an extensive service and resource directory and the following interactive functions: A Shared Practice toolkit and database which provides information and resources for practitioners An online forum, where issues related to sugar, workplace health and physical activity have been discussed so far The addition of videos to many of the topic pages. The final phase of development has seen the establishment of a number of embedded affiliate sites including the Wales Health Impact Assessment Support Unit; the International Health Co-ordination Centre; the Research & Development Collaborative; the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research and ‘Making Every Contact Count’. In addition there have been additional areas of the website allocated to other associated ‘Communities of Interest’ including the Food Poverty Alliance and the Welsh Health and Wellbeing NHS Group. The continued development of the website will enable communication and increase advocacy support for health improving policy, as well as a multi-agency system approach.
Shared Practice
Toolkit and Database In an effort to share practice and lessons learnt, the network has established a ‘Shared Practice’ database on the website where registered members can upload projects, programmes and initiatives. To further increase awareness and profile for these an example is covered in each ebulletin and the annual road show events will have time dedicated to local projects. To support practitioners and others, and to promote best practice, there are also downloadable resources including a ‘self-assessment toolkit’ available in the Shared Practice section. There are presently 17 projects highlighted. Further details on shared practice can be found at: http://www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/en/shared-practice-directory/
Conferences, Seminars and Events Click the images below to go to the relevant section:
An important principal established by the network has been to respond to members’ needs and optimise the opportunities for active member engagement. One way we have done that is by asking members to vote on their preferences for the annual seminar series where 3 seminars are facilitated each year. This process has proved very popular and we had in excess of 140 responses to the last vote that is informing the seminars for 2017/18. There were 80+ responses to the invitation to vote on the 2016/17 series which delivered seminars on:
Improving Health Within The LGBT Community on 22 July 2016 at Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff University. This seminar, chaired by Tracy Myhill, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust attracted 46 delegates with a further 80 who followed the live streaming via Twitter who heard presentations by: • Dr Paul Willis, University of Bristol – ‘Rethinking social care and housing for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people’. Paul Willis is a senior lecturer in social work with adults in the School for Policy Studies at University of Bristol and a registered social worker and his presentation focused on social care and housing for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Wales.
“Good Day. Good interaction in group. Generated ‘Food for thought’.”
• Dr Nigel Sherriff, University of Brighton - Health4LGBTI: A Pilot Project on reducing health inequalities experienced by LGBTI people. Dr. Nigel Sherriff is a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Brighton (Centre for Health Research), and he is known for his research on sexual health and HIV, health inequalities, and parenting (fatherhood and supporting breastfeeding). Nigel updated the delegates on a new EU-funded pilot project aimed at reducing health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. • Jenny-Anne Bishop, Unique Transgender Network and Dafydd Snelling, Public Health Wales - Using an ABCD approach to partnership working with Public Health Screening Services: The “In it Together” Project. Jenny-Anne helps manage Unique, the largest Transgender social & mutual support group in Wales and coordinates TransForum Manchester, a large Trans Support and Activist group in Manchester, which gives her daily contact with the Trans community. Dafydd has worked in Public Health for the past 10 years covering childhood obesity, children’s activity, smoking cessation, and Men’s Health. He has been working for the Screening Division for the past 8 years. They highlighted the ‘In it Together’ Transgender Awareness Project. They explained the importance of their work and how Public Health Wales’ Screening Division continues to work in partnership with transgender service users in Wales to improve service provision and access to NHS screening programmes. 3 parallel sessions then considered: 1. How does evidence we have to date support practitioners on the ground? 2. Are there still areas that need further research and evidence? If so, what might they be? 3. Does the group feel that existing policy is sufficient to support them in the LGBT community? If not, why not? Presentations, videos and the evaluation report can be accessed at: http://www.publichealthnetwork. cymru/en/get-involved/past-event/lgbt-health/
Planning for Better Health and Wellbeing took place on 30 November 2016 at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and was chaired by Kate Eden, Non Executive Director for Public Health Wales and opened by Rebecca Evans AM, Minister for Social Services and Public Health. The Minister gave an overview of the current policies and legislation within Welsh Government related to Active Travel. The Network joined forces with the Welsh Government and Active Travel Wales to organise this event which included a range of workshops where delegates were able to discuss the topic area in more detail. It was also an opportunity to launch the following resource produced by Public Health Wales and the Town and Country Planning Association: Briefing on integrating planning and public health for practitioners working in local planning authorities and health organisations in Wales. 99 delegates attended the event with a further 129 following the live feed on ‘Twitter’.
“All very notable and interesting. Chair was excellent.”
There were presentations by: • Dr Tim Jones from Oxford Brookes University who explained the Cycle Boom study which aimed to understand cycling among the older population and how this affected independence, health and wellbeing. Dr Jones also spoke about the potential role of electric bicycles in promoting public health. • Dr Barry Lambe from Waterford Institute of Technology then presented research conducted as part of Ireland’s Smarter Travel Programme. The study looked at two interventions in different towns in Ireland and concluded that improving the infrastructure for walking and cycling does not of itself promote uptake and maintenance of active commuting. In order for such infrastructure modifications to be effective, they need to be supported by car restrictive policies. • Stuart Williams from the City of Cardiff Council gave a local perspective and explained how a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was conducted to inform the Local Development Plan (LDP). Stuart discussed the issues identified in the HIA and which ones were embedded in the LDP. • A joint presentation was given by Michael Chang from the Town and Country Planning Association and Liz Green from Public Health Wales. This presentation revolved around the development of a document: ‘Planning for Better Health and Wellbeing in Wales’ which was launched at the event. The afternoon consisted of four workshops: • Creating supportive environments for walking and cycling to school: from doorstep to doorstep • Active Ageing: Creating Momentum • Shaping future active travel networks • Planning for an Active Wales The presentations, videos and evaluation report can be found at: http://www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/ en/get-involved/past-event/planning-for-better-health-and-wellbeing/
The Use of Apps and Technology for Health Promotion (#TechniHealth) This seminar was chaired by Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of Public Health Wales during the morning sessions and by Malcolm Ward, Principal Health Promotion Specialist for Public Health Wales in the afternoon. It was held on 27 February 2017 at Techniquest in Cardiff. 44 delegates attended on the day. A further 36 joined the live feed via Twitter.
“The speakers - all interesting. The video was very powerful.”
• The first presentation was from Peter Jones, Deputy Director in Digital Health and Care for the Welsh Government. Peter is the policy lead on information management and technology in DHSS and accountable in Welsh Government for NWIS (National Health Service Wales Informatics Service). His presentation focused on the Welsh Government’s health strategy going forward, including enabling members of the public to take ownership of their own health and wellbeing. This was part of the integration agenda between health and social services. He also touched on getting professionals the information and tools they needed, and of taking the information out of the realm of GPs and into secondary care. • The second presentation featured two speakers, Dr Kelly Mackintosh and Dr Melitta McNarry, both senior lecturers in Sports Science at Swansea University. Dr Mackintosh received a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Bath in 2008 followed by an MSc in Sports Science from Loughborough University in 2009. She then completed her PhD at Liverpool John Moores University in 2012. Dr Mackintosh was appointed as a Lecturer at Swansea University in July 2012, and progressed to Senior Lecturer in October 2013. Dr McNarry specialises in cardiorespiratory fitness across health, fitness and lifespan with a particular interest in paediatric populations. Her recent work has focused on the development of non-pharmacological intervention strategies. Dr Mackintosh spoke of physical activity amongst children, and the guidelines on sedentary behaviour. This featured a study of the BMI changes in 3 year olds over time in a specific geographical location. She also spoke of the evolution of humans into obesogenic environments. She finished with a presentation on the Mission Possible project, whereby a pilot study was conducted in 3D printing exercise results for children so that they had tangible feedback for their efforts. Dr McNarry focused on the concept of using commonly available game console technology such as Microsoft’s Kinect camera for the Xbox for interventions with a focus on cystic fibrosis high intensity exercises, including a non-axial accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope called the slamtracker and the systems thinking that went with it. • Dr Pelham Carter, lecturer in Applied Psychology from Birmingham City University spoke for the third presentation, which was on the research paradigm for taking theory through to targeted app based interventions. A lecturer in Psychology at Birmingham City University, Pelham joined in January 2013 and currently teaches on a range of Cognitive, Biological and Behavioural Psychology undergraduate modules. Dr Carter’s presentation touched on the issues to do with app and technology interventions, their impact and the Stern Report. He provided suggested stages and paradigms, and described example projects. • Julia Bailey, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care at UCL and a speciality doctor in community sexual health in Hackney, East London. Julia spoke on sexual health promotion delivered to young people delivered via digital media. Her presentation touched on mobile phone and web intervention in the realm of digital health with a particular focus on sexual health and behaviour change interventions for young people, including cognitive behaviour therapy and systemic therapy. She used the examples of self-help sites for various sexual problems, and how there are innovations from the state, but they would need adapting to this specific context.
“Very informative day with very passionate speakers, very enjoyable. Thank you.”
• The final speaker of the day was David Crane, a researcher from UCL. He provided insight into the design and study of a smoke free app, as well as his previous work on an alcohol consumption app. David’s background is in web and app development. Prior to starting his PhD he created the very successful smoking cessation app, Smoke Free, for his MSc thesis. He spoke of app development, including determining user needs through behaviour science and the study of other apps. He stressed the importance of usability studies and to focus on the benefits to the user, including credibility, and nonjudgmental and friendly tones in addressing users. A study of user reviews for the apps developed was also given to show the importance of understanding user needs, as well as the ongoing development cycle of apps even after they go live. Following the final session, the speakers fielded questions from those present as well as discussing the pros and cons of using Apps and Technology for Health Promotion. 44 delegates attended the event with a further 70 following the Twitter ‘live stream’. The presentations, videos and evaluation can be accessed at: http://www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/en/get-involved/pastevent/technihealth-health-promotion-in-the-digital-era/
2016 Public Health Network Cymru Roadshow – ‘Creating Connections’ Another important feature of the network programme is the annual ‘road show’. This provides an opportunity to take the network out on the road across Wales to engage with members in their localities. The objectives include promoting the network, getting views from members and informing the continuing development of the network so that it meets the needs articulated by members. The 2016/17 ‘Creating Connections’ road show focussed particularly on establishing and developing systems to enhance local involvement with events taking place in: • • • • • • •
Wednesday 4 May 2016 - Conwy Business Centre, Conwy Thursday 5 May 2016 - Ramada Plaza Hotel, Wrexham Thursday 12 May 2016 – Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Wednesday 18 May 2016 - Redhouse Cymru, Merthyr Tydfil Thursday 19 May 2016 - Liberty Stadium, Swansea Wednesday 25 May 2016 - Riverfront Theatre, Newport Thursday 26 May 2016 - SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff
A total of 201 delegates representing all sectors attended the 7 events.
“I thought the positive psychology was brilliant. Dr Tunariu and Sophie Howe both give hope for the future.”
The events aimed to give practitioners working in all areas of health promotion and health improvement the opportunity to meet fellow professionals, network and find out more about the resources and additional functions on the new website. This was a chance to engage with delegates and to provide an opportunity for them to contribute their ideas/suggestions and also to provide feedback on the Network’s performance to date. A World Cafe session was conducted to allow delegates to provide input on aspects of the Network including ‘online engagement and newsletters’, ‘seminars, conferences and events’, ‘training sessions’, ‘good practice database’. These half day events were open to any professionals who have an interest in public health from teachers and youth workers to researchers, GPs to local governemtn workers, voluntary and the third sector.
National Conference – Adverse Childhood Experiences: What it means for you In March 2017 we had the first national conference for the network which focussed on ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences’ in partnership with colleagues from the ACE’s hub. The Conference took place at the All Nation’s Centre in Cardiff on 15th March 2017. Jointly chaired by Sarah Crawley, Director, Barnardo’s Cymru who chaired the morning and Steve Thomas CBE, Chief Executive, Welsh Local Government Association in the afternoon, there were presentations by: • Alyson Francis, ACE Hub Director, Cymru Well Wales on ‘The importance of Adverse Childhood Experiences: towards a vision for the ACE Hub. • Sophie Howe, Wellbeing and Future Generations Commissioner on ‘The Well-being of Future Generations Act: ACEs and Action’ • Dr Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales on ‘Why do we need a Child Rights Approach to successfully tackle ACEs?’ There were also 2 workshops facilitated by Dr Aneta Tunariu, Head of Psychological Interventions, University of East London that considered ”ACEs in Conversation” and “Positive Psychology in my practice” and a further parallel workshop session to explore delegates’ experiences, contributions and needs to inform the development of the hub. 112 delegates attended the event with a further 84 following the Twitter ‘live stream’. The presentations, videos and evaluation can be accessed at: http://www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/en/get-involved/past-event/adverse-childhood-experiences/ Partners and stakeholders In addition to the network’s own events we have contributed to a range of other events, including: • Welsh Public Health Conference – November 2016 • Public Health Wales ‘Research in Wales’ Seminar – March 2017 • Making Every Contact Count – March 2017
Future Plans Much of the focus of the last 12 months has been on promoting the network, developing the website and integrating the mini-sites. As we move forward through next year we hope to enhance the two-way engagement through the further development of the forums and social media particularly. In order to ensure optimum and effective engagement with the network members and our key stakeholders and partners a “Communication & Engagement” Strategy has been developed with a range of recommendations. Following a consultation with members and key stakeholders an ‘Implementation Plan’ will be developed and put into action to take the recommendations forward. We also hope to focus greater attention on the excellent work of our members and to try and further enhance the capacity of the network with new training and CPD opportunities. This includes the establishment of e-learning opportunities through the website, increasing the number of initiatives on the ‘shared practice’ database, more training opportunities linked to the road shows and a platform for showcasing local initiatives both through the road shows and using the popular ebulletins.
Further Information Further information on all aspects of the network including a simple free online registration process can be found at the network website at: http://www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/en/ (English) or http://www.publichealthnetwork.cymru/cy/ (Welsh) Or by emailing publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk In addition there are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube accounts. All the network team members are happy to take enquiries and address concerns. The team include: Marie Griffiths: Marie.Griffiths2@wales.nhs.uk Becky Winslade: Rebecca.Winslade@wales.nhs.uk Cath Evans: Catherine.Evans10@wales.nhs.uk Sarah James: Sarah.James10@wales.nhs.uk Sorin Annuar: Sorin.Annuar@wales.nhs.uk Jamie-Lee Fitzpatrick: Jamie-Lee.Fitzpatrick@wales.nhs.uk