The Healthy Communities Collaborative aims, through two distinct services, to:

• promote the earlier presentation of symptoms of bowel, breast and lung cancers in primary care, in order to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment
• promote early identification, assessment and management of people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Why?

• Communities are vital to improving health, and can play a significant role in promoting an individual’s self-esteem and mental well-being by reducing exclusion.
• Help and encouragement from friends, neighbours and work colleagues can make a significant difference in ensuring that individuals feel supported in making positive choices about their lifestyles.
• Identifying a topic of importance to a community will prompt community action.

What difference does it make?

“For the first time, since the death of her sister a year ago from breast cancer, one of our residents talked about cancer … Attending your session and the extra time you spent with her has made a real difference.” (care home)

• An increase in the number of urgent referrals through primary into secondary care for suspected cancers of the bowel, breast and lung.
• An increase in the number of people on general practice on high risk registers for cardiovascular disease; and an increase in the number who are prescribed lipid lowering drugs.
• A measurable improvement in social and human capital in the designated ward areas.

Who?

All local people.

Where?

In the City of Salford – in selected target areas.

How?

• develop multi-agency teams that are responsible for the identification and targeting of priority groups in their communities
• raise awareness and educate people about earlier recognition and presentation of cancer symptoms or risks of cardiovascular disease
• work with professional networks and screening programmes, and support primary care in the implementation of best practice
• learn and test during action periods, interspersed with learning workshops

Commissioned by NHS Salford