Rounding off 2025 on a healthy note
Thanks to our Community Health Champions who were able to join our festive catch-up last week and who helped us to plan our activity for Christmas and the New Year.
Starting the session, we heard from Champions about their proudest achievements in 2025 which ranged from being a mentor to someone who has recently graduated as a mental health nurse to completing the Potters Arf with a pre-existing lung condition.
We heard from Champion Darren Murinas, CEO of Expert Citizens, about what we mean by “lived experience” and how it is being increasingly recognised by researchers and health professionals to help shape services.
Darren made the point that we are all “experts” of our own lived experience and how, by recognising this, it also helps to empower and bring opportunities for people who may previously have had experiences of drug and alcohol use, homelessness and poor mental health and who, in turn, can help others to overcome addiction or dependency.
We also used the session to plan our December newsletter which you will be able to print out for your communities. Champions highlighted the need to prioritize health, practice self-care and share details of where people can get additional help and support over the sometimes difficult winter months Please note that we have a limited number of cork noticeboards for Champions to use in their organisations. If you would like one, please email chc@vast.org.uk.
We would love to hear from Champions who would like to publicise the sessions and services which they feel can help people in their communities look forward to a brighter 2026. If you have anything relevant, let us know by emailing chc@vast.org.uk.
As the last request of 2025, we ask you to follow us @SoTHealthChamps on Facebook and Instagram and to tag us in anything you’d like us to share on your behalf.
Our very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
Zi, Maria and Charlotte
The Community Health Champions Team.
