Middlesbrough

The Community Involvement Fund project involved its target population from inception to avoid a 'tokenistic' approach.

The Fund enables small grants to be provided in the PCT catchment area to approved community schemes and projects.

The original idea came from the Community Involvement Sub Group of the Board of the PCT and patients were involved immediately.

The planning started during 2004 - and the Community Fund went 'live' end of January 2005.

The PCT wanted to ensure earliest possible involvement of patients. The PPI Forum and the PCT worked together on patient representation.

There are quarterly evaluation visits to projects and patients are involved in that process. This project is still at its early stages but will be publicised through an effective communication strategy.

The project feels the critical factors for success are:

•  Not being tokenistic

Contact Details:

Matthew Thornton
01642 352543
matthew.thornton@middlesbroughpct.nhs.uk