SERVICES
Our Services
Poverty and Health Connections is a grassroots charity focused on the connections between poverty and health involves leveraging local resources, volunteers, and simple, impactful programs. Here are some ideas and strategies to help you get started :
Example Programs
Monthly Health Days
- Organise a monthly event where community members can access basic health services, health education, and nutritious food.
- Healthy Eating Initiative
- Start a community garden where residents can grow their own produce, paired with cooking classes that teach how to prepare healthy meals.
- Mental Health Outreach
- Create a network of peer support groups that meet regularly to discuss mental health challenges and provide mutual support.
- Volunteer Training Program
- Develop a training program for volunteers to become community health workers, equipping them with the knowledge to assist their neighbors effectively.
Measuring Impact
Simple Data Collection
- Use sign-in sheets and simple surveys at events to gather basic information about participants and their needs.
- Track the number of people served and the types of services provided.
- Feedback Mechanisms
- Collect informal feedback through conversations with participants and volunteers.
- Use suggestion boxes at events to gather ideas for improvement.
- Community Stories
- Document and share success stories to illustrate the impact of your work and inspire further support.
- Encourage participants to share their experiences and how the charity has helped them.
Implementation Strategies
Community Partnerships
- Collaborate with local organisations, schools, and faith groups to share resources and reach a broader audience.
- Engage local businesses for sponsorships or donations of goods and services.
- Volunteer Engagement
- Recruit local volunteers for various roles, from organizing events to providing direct services.
- Offer training sessions to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Utilize Local Resources
- Make use of community spaces such as libraries, schools, and community centers for events and programs.
- Source donations of supplies and food from local businesses and community members.
- Fundraising
- Organize low-cost fundraising events like bake sales, car washes, or community markets.
- Utilize online crowdfunding platforms to gather small donations from a wide network.
Key Services and Programs
Basic Health Services
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- Pop-up Health Clinics: Organise temporary clinics in community centers, schools, or churches where volunteer healthcare professionals provide basic health services and screenings.
- Health Fairs: Host events where community members can receive free health checks, vaccinations, and health education materials.
- Health Education and Awareness
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- Community Health Workshops: Partner with local experts to conduct workshops on topics like nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Educational Materials: Distribute pamphlets and posters with essential health information in community gathering places.
- Nutrition Support
- Food Drives: Collect and distribute healthy food donations to families in need.
- Community Cooking Classes: Teach affordable, nutritious cooking techniques using local ingredients.
- Mental Health Support
- Peer Support Groups: Establish groups led by trained volunteers to provide a safe space for discussing mental health issues and sharing coping strategies.
- Stress Reduction Workshops: Offer sessions on mindfulness, yoga, or other stress-relief techniques.
- Support Services
- Transportation Assistance: Coordinate volunteer drivers to help individuals get to medical appointments.
- Resource Navigation: Train volunteers to assist community members in accessing local health and social services.