The Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership has today (24 November) launched its first-ever Health Equity Fellowship Programme.
The programme aims to give applicants enhanced skills to improve population health and reduce inequalities in their organisations and communities.
The fellowship is open to all colleagues working across health, social care, local authority, and the voluntary and community sectors across Humber and North Yorkshire – irrespective of their current role, grade or profession.
Amanda Bloor, Deputy Chief Executive for NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and Population Health lead, said: “I am incredibly proud that we are launching this Health Equity Fellowship Programme. Addressing health inequalities is a crucial priority for us in Humber and North Yorkshire, and this is a key opportunity to engage with our wider workforce to support us in this ambition.
“The programme, which has been modelled on a well-recognised programme in West Yorkshire, allows colleagues across our Integrated Care System to be involved in tackling health inequalities they are passionate about, and we all have our role to play in closing the healthy life expectancy gap between our communities.”
Cathy Chadwick-Rayner, Networks and Outreach Coordinator at Breaking Down Barriers and former Health Equity Fellow, said: “The fellowship was an excellent opportunity to learn about public health and the various teams working to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives.
“The connection with other Fellows was also fantastic as it revealed how many different roles are involved in improving health equity. It was also lovely to meet new people who inspired and supported me along the way.”
Julia Weldon, Director of Public Health and Deputy Chief Executive at Hull City Council, said: “Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board is committed to ensure everyone in HNY has an equal opportunity for a healthy life, no matter where they come from. We can achieve this by bringing an inequalities lens to everything that we do. We believe that everyone in the HNY should have the opportunity to contribute to this collective effort.
“The Health Equity Fellowship programme is an excellent way to equip our workforce and external partners including members of our community with skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle inequalities. We strongly recommend the programme to everyone who has a passion for improving population health and reducing inequalities.”
While people can sign up from today, the programme itself will run from April 2024 until March 2025. Fellows will be expected to dedicate one day a week to attend training and work on their project.
Applications will be open for colleagues from until Friday 12 January 2024.
For further information, please visit the Health Equity Fellowship webpage here.