Traditional healthcare settings often see low attendance due to cultural, linguistic, and literacy barriers, fragmenting prevention efforts and worsening health inequalities.
Led by the Centre for Ethnic Health Research with the Leicester Diabetes Centre, this project co-developed a community champion training programme to deliver culturally sensitive education and risk assessments in workplaces, faith centres, and community groups.
The virtual training reached 43 champions out of 72 interested people (60% completion rate). Everyone gained full confidence in their role, and 84% rated it excellent or very good. Champions held small events for 10 to 20 people, in person and online.
This training enabled staff from Leicester City in the Community to deliver diabetes "Walk and Talk" sessions discussing type 2 diabetes risks with local people.
Empowering Communities led to a partnership on the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Research Enablement Network project, establishing community ambassadors in Leicester, but also expanding the training and establishing ambassadors in Northamptonshire.
Future plans will expand this model further by training local champions, strengthening inclusion and building lasting community-health links for sustained improvements.
To read the report, click here.