A community of practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a common concern (e.g. health inequality), a set of problems, or an interest in a topic and who come together to fulfil both individual and group goals. 

Each CoP will give the attendees the opportunity to learn, share knowledge and experience, and deepen understanding of these complex issues, anchored in day-to-day work.  

The CoPs will help to build networks in towns in Buckinghamshire; each facilitated meeting will explore a theme or topic, bringing together those working and volunteering in communities to share lived experience and knowledge. 

• Multi-Faith Perspectives of Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Exploring Health Inequalities
• Support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Trauma-informed approaches to providing support
• Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
• Alcohol and Substance Use and Addiction

Suggestions from CoP participants for topics are welcomed and encouraged. 

Who should attend? 

Anyone working on the ‘frontline’ in primary care, mental health services, local authority, and the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector (VCSE), with a common interest in supporting people experiencing health inequalities.  

This could include:

• Advice workers
• Advocacy providers
• Foodbank volunteers
• Social support workers
• Staff and volunteers in faith-based or community organisations
• Outreach workers
• Homelessness support
• Substance misuse support
• Refugees and asylum seeker support
• Social workers
• Community nurses
• Community pharmacists
• Social prescribers
• Health and wellbeing coaches
• Care navigators
• Mental health practitioners
• Probation support

This list is not exhaustive. 

This is not a forum for managers or CEOs, but a space encouraging open discussion between those working directly with communities. Individuals will learn from each other, share knowledge, ask questions and explore solutions that will benefit local people.