This occupation is found in different organisations and is commissioned by a range of agencies, including local government, the NHS, and other funders such as voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. Community Health and Wellbeing Workers is a rapidly expanding workforce supporting the increasing emphasis across government departments on improving the health of local people and communities by preventing poor health and tackling inequalities. Their work is informed by the wider social determinants of health, such as the social, cultural, political, economic, commercial and environmental factors that shape the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to work in partnership with individuals and their communities to identify and address health and wellbeing needs, improve health, prevent ill-health and reduce inequalities. To do this, Community Health and Wellbeing.
Workers need to:
Address the causes of poor health and wellbeing in the broadest sense (causes of the causes). They do this by taking a holistic ‘whole person’ approach regarding physical, mental, emotional and social health and wellbeing and resilience.
Work with individuals, groups and communities to identify what matters to them, building on their strengths to improve health and wellbeing.
Understand the local and accessible services and resources available, to which people in the community can be signposted to support their health and wellbeing needs.
Identify gaps in available services and resources preventing individuals and communities from achieving optimal health and wellbeing.
Build relationships with local organisations and groups.
English and Maths: Level 2 English and maths will need to be achieved prior to taking the end point assessment. Those with an Education, Health and Care Plan or a Legacy Statement will need an Entry Level 3 in English and maths. British Sign Language (BSL) will be accepted as an alternative qualification to functional skills in English for apprentices where BSL is their first language.
Duration: Typically 12 months.
Maximum Funding: £7,000. If you are a non-levy paying employer (Co-investment), the cost will be £350 equating to 5% of the maximum funding.
Review date: After 3 years.
For more information: https://haso.skillsforhealth.org.uk/standards/#standard-10962
Contact your local Training Hub: kmccg.pcthapprenticeships@nhs.net