For many people often referred to as inclusion health communities, the answer is not straightforward. Barriers such as homelessness, poverty, poor mental health, disability, lack of confidence, digital exclusion, transport difficulties, prejudices in society, health literacy challenges and complex life circumstances can all make it harder to access healthcare and live well.
That’s why the Be Well, Live Well Hackathon in Norwich will bring together people with lived experience, health professionals, charities and local partners to work collaboratively on practical solutions. The free event takes place on Wednesday November 4, 9.30am to 3.30pm at Carrow House, Norwich, and includes lunch and refreshments.
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is a creative problem-solving event where people from different backgrounds come together to tackle a challenge. Rather than sitting through presentations all day, participants work in small groups to explore ideas, share experiences and develop practical solutions that could make a real difference. This Hackathon will be led by the team from Rix Inclusive Research from the university of East London.
Putting lived experience at the heart of change
The theme of this year’s event is Be Well, Live Well, focuses on the challenges faced by under-served communities. Norwich-based homelessness charity St Martins, alongside colleagues from the Integrated Care Board (ICB), will be taking part and sharing insights from the people they work with every day. It is well known that homelessness, and with that severe and multiple disadvantages and poor health are closely linked. Many people facing homelessness encounter multiple barriers to accessing healthcare, from registering with a GP and attending appointments to managing physical and mental health conditions as do other under-served communities.
Learn from leading voices
Participants will also hear from Sir Norman Lamb, one of the UK’s most respected advocates for health and social care reform. His extensive experience and long-standing commitment to improving health services will help inspire discussion and innovation on the day.
Tracy Williams, Queens Nurse and Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of homeless and inclusion health said, “Every day we hear stories of missed opportunities, systems that don’t connect, and people falling through the gaps, having a poor experience, struggles in accessing health and care and poorer health as a result. I have seen this first hand and know those people who use our services have the solutions. That’s why I’m excited about this hackathon. It brings together people who have something to say in a way that allows everyone to contribute equally. The challenges have already been identified, and our hope is for the hackathon to stimulate ideas for lasting change that improves access to healthcare, the experiences for people which will improve the wellbeing for people facing the greatest barriers.”
Who should attend?
This event is for people who face barriers and have had a poor experience in accessing Healthcare, and for those working in social care, health and community services. You do not need specialist knowledge. What matters is a willingness to listen, share ideas and work with others to find solutions.
Be Well, Live Well Hackathon
This is an opportunity to be part of a practical, hands-on day that could lead to meaningful change for people facing barriers to healthcare.
- Wednesday 4 November
- 9.30am to 3.30pm
- Carrow House, Norwich
- Free to attend, booking essential
- Lunch included
Book your place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/be-well-live-well-hackathon-tickets-1998422242724
For more information contact nicholas.guy@nhs.net