The Cree Network- closed for 2023!!
The Good
So, this week we held the last Cree Network of 2023. I’m very proud of everything that we have achieved and how well the Network works together. I started back in 2016 with meetings that required a tin hat. At this point the Cree were frustrated and felt overlooked, used and certainly under valued for their fantastic work. The group now has a clear vision and Action Plan for 2024. We have a dedicated worker at Public Health who acts as an internal ambassador sharing information both inwards and out with some key development themes to focus on.
The Less Good
These guys work so hard for so little money. The service they provide is outstanding and the results and outcomes are lasting and meaningful. They truly do appreciate every penny of Public Health funding (£3000 per year per Cree) but this has not seen an increase since the work began in 2010. The additional costs are manageable as each organisation draws on its expertise to attract additional funds from other Trusts. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one day the sector could just do what they were good at — delivering services — rather than writing numerous bids when statistics tell us only 1 in 10 will be successful. That’s a lot of time writing bids that go nowhere!
The Brilliant
The Cree Network now feel valued and appreciated and recognised for their work. The Health & Wellbeing Members Survey was a huge success, a page on the County Council’s website and a Podcast and a video have all cemented this sentiment. The icing on the cake was the inclusion of the Cree Network in the Public Health 2023 Annual Report. Although Public Health may not be able to supply additional funding they do make up for this with some fantastic additional support too. Training where possible, a dedicated worker, running Network meetings, sharing key health messages and the website management are all hugely useful and again greatly appreciated. Naturally a key theme for 2024 is additional funding but lets rest on our laurels and enjoy Christmas first!
