Merton Council has been shortlisted for National Compact Awards this year in three different categories- innovation, engagement and advancing equalities.
The awards showcase the best examples of government and voluntary partnership working across the nation. Winners are chosen from organisations and activities which show the best cases of Compact working.
Every year since 2005 Merton has been recognised in the national Compact Awards, highlighting the strength of the relationship between public, business and voluntary sectors in the borough.
This year Merton has been shortlisted in the following categories:
Innovation- Merton’s Proactive GP Pilot
Merton’s Proactive GP Pilot project draws on existing resources to embed prevention in GP practices and tackle health inequalities within hard to reach communities. The project links health professionals with community health champions who screen individuals for early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Engagement- Healthwatch Merton
Healthwatch Merton helps people get the best out of their local health and social care services as well as seeking views from sections of the community who can struggle to be heard. Since 2013 they have worked with over 60 local voluntary and faith groups engaging with over 1700 people which have led to nearly 20 specific service improvements, developments or review programmes.
Advancing equalities- Merton’s Volunteering Programme
Merton’s Volunteering Programme has been supporting adults with mental health issues or learning disabilities to volunteer for 12 years. This is in partnership with Merton Voluntary Service Council, NHS Mental Health Trust, Job Centre Plus, Cricket Green School and Centre Court Shopping Centre.
The Compact Awards take place on Wednesday 4 November during Compact Week.
Leader of Merton Council and chair of the Merton Partnership, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said: “I am hugely proud that Merton has been nominated for Compact awards yet again. The partnership work we do with the voluntary sector and other public sector organisations is very important in developing a community whose diverse needs are met through our forward thinking initiatives. And it is great to see it recognised in this way. Working in partnership is the key to providing quality services for residents.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
– Compact Voice is the voice of the voluntary sector on the Compact – an agreement between the sector and the Government to ensure better working together. We provide training and resources, and represent the sector’s concerns to the government.
– The Merton Compact is a partnership agreement between local public bodies, the business community and the voluntary and community sector to improve their relationships and provide a framework within which the sectors can understand what to expect from each other. The Merton Compact aims to achieve a ‘Compact way of working’ by helping us communicate better with each other, understand and respect each other’s views and work together more effectively to support the people of Merton.
– Merton Partnership (the Local Strategic Partnership) co-ordinates the delivery of services and other activities in the borough to improve the quality of life and physical environment experienced by Merton residents and visitors to the borough. It brings together organisations that provide services or are involved in public life in the borough, working together in partnership to achieve our vision of Merton as ‘a great place to live and call home, where citizens are also neighbours and take responsibility for improving their own lives and neighbourhoods.