The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS) is a partnership of organisations including NHS, local councils and voluntary and community services that provide health and care across the region. The RSPH now accredits the North East and North Cumbria ICS Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training programme. The half day course provides a consistent approach to the training of those working in the region who have the opportunity to engage with others, supporting a healthy lifestyle and signposting to specialist services and resources. The course enables participants to learn more about health inequalities and how to make the most of daily conversations to encourage changes in behaviour that will have a positive impact on someone's health. 

Janice Constable, RSPH Membership and Educational Services Director, commented “RSPH believes in the importance of supporting and empowering the wider public health workforce. This MECC programme is mapped to national guidance and provides front line staff with the knowledge, skills and confidence to help support the health of others and encourage positive behaviour change to improve the health of communities. The session joins the wide range of courses in health and wellbeing subjects already accredited by the RSPH”.

Jill Harland, Chair of North East and North Cumbria MECC, added: “We’re delighted that our training programme has now been accredited, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the health of our communities. We are passionate about supporting everyone, wherever they work and whatever their role to play their part in prevention, helping us to stop negative health outcomes arising and tackle inequalities. Together we can make a real difference to those that live and work across the region. 

“By having the training accredited this will build confidence with partners in the quality of our training programme, but also allows us to reflect on improvements that we can make to enhance our regional offer. 

The regional MECC training programme forms part of the North East and North Cumbria ICS’ work to achieve better health and wellbeing for all in the North East and North Cumbria, to help people live healthier lives for longer and is hosted by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
For more information on the programme and how you can get involved, please visit www.meccgateway.co.uk/nenc.