Key Dates

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who attended the first REN Project Community Champion Training. Your commitment and participation are truly appreciated.

 We are excited to announce that the second REN training session will be conducted online and we are happy to continue this journey with you.

The second online training session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 10am to 12noon. We are excited to continue our journey together and further enhance our skills and knowledge as REN community champions.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and commitment. We look forward to your continued participation in this important initiative.

Bringing healthcare closer to our communities: NHS Mid and South Essex launches winter vaccination bus 🚌

Last year, nearly 60% of eligible residents in mid and south Essex received their flu vaccination. This year, we’re going even further to ensure even more people are protected.

Our community vaccination bus will be visiting towns across the region, offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as free blood pressure checks for adults over 40. Healthcare teams onboard will provide expert advice, administer vaccinations, and signpost residents to further care when needed.

The towns selected are areas with historically low vaccination uptake and higher health inequalities. By engaging directly with local communities, we’re raising awareness of the importance of winter vaccinations and offering immediate vaccination at the point of conversation. This approach is key to increasing uptake and protecting the most vulnerable as we approach winter.

The vaccination bus schedule:
- Tesco Extra, Mayflower Retail Park, Basildon – Tuesday, 15 October (9am-5pm)
- Morrisons, Southend-on-Sea – Wednesday, 16 October (9am-5pm)
- Grays High Street – Thursday, 17 October (9am-5pm)
- Morrisons, Northwick Road, Canvey Island – Friday, 18 October (9am-5pm)

By bringing healthcare directly to our communities, we’re supporting public health and helping to prevent winter illnesses.

 #PublicHealth #WinterVaccinations #HealthcareProfessionals #CommunityHealth

The REN Project learning event is meant to show the significant strides the REN project is making in terms of enhancing research uptake within our community. The event will be holding on the 28^th of November in Southend venue yet to be confirmed.

The plan for the event are;

• We would be honoured to have Tom Abell the new CEO open the event with his insights on the REN projects impact and prospects.
• James Hickling the SRO will also be speaking at the event.
• Updates will also be given by Tina Starling the REN project lead on the overview of our partners and support we have received from Pfizer.
• Partner organisations/ community champions will also be presenting on their findings and engagement outcomes since joining the REN project.
• Researchers will also be presenting on research opportunities and impact they have been able to make through the collaborative nature of the REN project. 
• Presentation from Emmanuel Umeh the project manager on the feedbacks from community organisations on their responses during community engagement. 
• The event will conclude with a wrap up by Claire Hankey, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect with champions and other key stakeholders.

We believe this event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the progress of the REN project, share experiences and explore how we can further enhance research uptake in our community.