Since November 2020, we have hosted monthly, online Public Health Briefings for community, voluntary and faith groups. The events are designed to facilitate robust, open and honest conversation. They support community and Civil Society leaders across London to access credible, up-to-date information about the pandemic, the evolving Public Health landscape and have provided support to communities to interpret government guidelines.
Hosted by Deputy Mayor Dr Debbie Weekes Bernard, we have had number of expert speakers including Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Health England and Martin Machray, Joint Chief Nurse for London who have provided invaluable leadership, experience and expertise.
There has been huge interest in these monthly events, with more than 700 people registering to receive updates and an average of 130 people calling in. We have received very positive feedback and know that people have really appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from experts who have taken their concerns seriously
“This briefing is SO impressive, transparent and information-rich. Thanks all”
“… Great presentations as usual - balanced and respectful of concerns. Thanks”
By hosting these conversations, we have also been able to gather valuable insights into the concerns and issues facing communities including the need for translation of guidelines into community languages and concerns over vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. It has also been an opportunity for communities to share information, resources and offer support to each other.
These conversations have fed into the planning of a series of targeted events to build vaccine confidence within communities identified as having higher rates of vaccine hesitancy. These events are delivered in partnership with community organisations, Public Health England, NHS London and the GLA. They recognise that many individuals and communities have legitimate questions and concerns and aim to support communities to access up to date information and facilitate open and honest conversations.
You can view one of the briefings here and if you or others might benefit from attending the briefings, please share the link where people can sign up.