The ICB’s Health Inequalities lead Kevin Hallahan not only attended the Westminster session, which was hosted by One Vision Charity in partnership with Catherine McArevey, Mayor of Dacorum, he was also presented with a special award for his work.
Kevin was among a number of people presented with an award by Cllr Catherine McArevey, Mayor of Dacorum and Chief Executive of One Vision, Enoch Kanagaraj, for their work to tackle health inequalities in Dacorum.
The four MPs who represent the area, Victoria Collins, David Taylor, Matt Turmaine and Gag Mohindra were also at the meeting along with representatives from health organisations including West Herts Teaching Hospital Trust and the ICB, local councils, the voluntary sector, faith groups and law enforcement to look at how communities can work together to bring the NHS 10 Year plan to life and reduce health inequalities.
The event looked at the Faith and Health Network model pioneered by One Vision to empower clinicians, councils, carers and people with strong community connections to reach underserved communities.
The discussions on the day included:
- The growing challenges in accessing primary care and the urgent need to focus on prevention
- How poor mental health and a lack of support services often underpin community safety issues
- The vital role trusted community spaces play in supporting vulnerable groups
- The cultural, financial and systemic barriers to accessing good health
And Kevin was one of seven individuals honoured with a special award, presented by the Mayor of Dacorum, for their outstanding contributions to health equity, leadership and grassroots impact.
This included health professionals, faith leaders and community champions.
Kevin said: “I was very surprised to receive this award. It was very unexpected and I am very humbled to have received it.”