Health Inclusion event inspires action so no-one is left behind

A Health Inclusion Stakeholder Event on 2 October brought together local partners, professionals, and people with lived experience to explore how we can make health and care more inclusive across Wakefield District and West Yorkshire.

Hosted by Wakefield Council and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), the day focused on listening, learning, and working together to tackle the barriers that prevent people from accessing vital services – including those affected by homelessness, migration and complex lives.

Sessions covered key topics such as the NHS 10-Year Plan, housing and health, safeguarding, and the elimination of bloodborne viruses. Those who attended said they valued the discussions, which sparked new ideas and collaboration.

Feedback from the day included:

• 96 per cent of attendees said the event increased their understanding of local Health Inclusion services.
• Over 90 per cent rated the presentations and speakers as very good or good.
• Nearly all participants made useful connections for future partnership working.

Many attendees left inspired to take action, from inviting service users into multi-disciplinary teams to promoting awareness of inclusion initiatives, exploring new partnerships, and rethinking how services can reach those most at risk of exclusion.

Overall, the event demonstrated a shared commitment across the district to advancing health inclusion – ensuring that compassion, equity, and collaboration remain at the heart of service delivery so that no one is left behind.