The Way Forward: Reducing Health Inequalities & the Power of AI Event

The event brought together passionate individuals and organisation's from Medway's Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise & Faith Sector (VCSEF), all committed to making a difference together, with a special focus on reducing health disparities.

Celebrating #MedwayHeroes

In addition to insightful discussions, the event was also an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of local volunteers through MVA's annual Barry Clout Volunteering Awards. The spirit of community service was palpable as attendees gathered to acknowledge those who have selflessly dedicated their time and energy to support their neighbors.

Click HERE to read more about MVA’s 2024 Barry Clout Volunteering Award Winners.

Community Involvement & Engagement

The event featured interactive workshops where participants brainstormed actionable strategies to further bridge health inequalities through collaborative working and the use of AI. Feedback from community members illuminated diverse perspectives on how organisations can effectively engage the populations they seek to serve. By creating spaces for conversations and collaboration, "The Way Forward" set the stage for ongoing partnerships and collective action for Medway.

Attendees had the chance to network, share their experiences, and explore potential collaborations to amplify a united voice.

There were 3 keynote speakers presenting including:

• Teresa Murray – Deputy Leader of the Labour Party at Medway Council, who shared Medway Council's vision on making Medway a better place that "The sector is agile and creative, and we will play our part. 59% of the public want the government to work more in partnership with the sector2.
• Nikki Teesdale - Director of Health & Care Integration & Improvement at Medway & Swale Health & Care Partnership shared the current health and care landscape across Medway. Nikki went on to say "We can shout and we can shout on your behalf", a strong commitment to supporting the sector through their VCS Framework. You can find out more about their VCS Framework of support by clicking HERE.
• Tim Cook – Director of AI Confident who shared how 'AI can help us to solve problems and achieve more'.

The presentations laid out the current VCSEF landscape and explored three key areas:

• What the current VCSEF landscape looks like including support available from Medway Council and other statutory organisations.
• The critical role that the sector plays in reducing health inequalities and the important role that it plays in improving peoples overall wellbeing.
• Ways that the sector can harness AI in the pursuit of social good.

You can find copies of all of the event information and presentations on the MVA website by clicking HERE.

Don't just LIVE Life - Make Life BOOM

We were delighted to have the Deputy Mayor of Medway Cllr Douglas Hamandishe join us where he launched our new power of volunteering podcast series "Don’t Just Live Life - Make Life BOOM," an exciting collaboration between Douglas, MVA and The Mic Drop Club.

In a world increasingly focused on personal gain and individual success, the notion of volunteering often gets overshadowed by the daily grind of life. However, the transformative power of giving back to the community is immeasurable, and now more than ever, such endeavours deserve to be celebrated and amplified.

The ultimate aim of the podcast series is to inspire a movement—a shift from passive consumption of life to active participation in shaping it. Each episode serves as a reminder that life is not just about existing; it's about making an impact. The collective stories of joy, struggle, and triumph can ignite a fire in individuals, prompting them to take action in their communities.

Every week we will release a new episode and you can heck out the podcast HERE.

The Mighty Potential of AI in Medway's Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise & Faith Sector

The final presentation and workshop was a thought-provoking speech delivered by an expert in the field of AI and how charities can embrace it. Tim Cook from AI Confident elaborated on innovative ways that AI can support charities in identifying and addressing health inequities that disproportionately affect our communities.

Looking Ahead

A great event had by all and as we reflect on the success of 'The Way Forward', it’s crucial to keep the momentum going. The challenges posed by health inequities require persistent efforts and innovative solutions. With collaborative work between local and statutory health organisations and boards, technology, the charity sector, and engaged communities, we can forge a path towards a healthier, more equitable future for all in Medway.

Sign up HERE to MVA's Community Connections and stay up to date for upcoming initiatives and opportunities to get involved.

Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities in need across Medway.