Incorporating Health as a Crosscutting Theme in the London European Social Fund programme 2007-2013
The London Health Commission (LHC) is delivering this year-long project that is aimed at supporting ESF-funded programmes in incorporating health as a crosscutting theme into their activities. Inukshuk Consultancy (Lynn Snowden and Anthea Cooke) has been commissioned by the London Health Commission (LHC) to project manage its implementation.
The purpose of the project is to enable the London ESF providers to maximise health benefits for their participants through their projects. This will be achieved by:
- Increasing understanding of the level of awareness and support needs of London ESF provider organisations;
- Producing written guidance to support ESF funded provider organisations to incorporate health into their projects; and
- Developing a performance management framework for ESF providers to assess the effectiveness of incorporating health as a crosscutting theme.
Information has been gathered through a provider focus group and some telephone interviews of those unable to attend. The results can be read in the attached report, and the project is keen to incorporate the views and experience of as many London ESF providers as possible, particularly smaller provider organisations, to ensure the fullest picture possible.
Lynn Snowden, one of the project managers, explained that all ESF providers already include health in their action plans but there are inconsistencies in the implementation and monitoring of these actions. From 2011 the assessment framework will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the actions and so it is important to have as much provider input in the development of the framework as possible. Training will be given to CFOs in the use of the framework and the project can also provide some tailored support and training to providers.
Lynn would like to hear from providers about two specific questions, by 12th April at the latest:
- How do you currently integrate health as a crosscutting theme into your ESF project?
- What type of support would help you to do this better? (Information, training etc. Please be specific as possible, e.g. motivational interviewing training, basic counselling skills).
Contact Lynn Snowden at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to e-mail your answers or call and leave a message on (01428) 714485. Telephone interviews should take no longer than 15 minutes.
