Council health initiative helping disadvantaged communities shortlisted for national award

A city council public health project aimed at reaching people who face difficulties accessing healthcare has been shortlisted for a national award.

‘Community First: A Vaccine Success Story from the Potteries’ has been shortlisted in the ‘Community Involvement’ category at this year’s Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.

It comes after the initiative not only helped to tackle the immediate issue of Stoke-on-Trent’s first measles outbreak in years in July 2023 – but also formed part of the city council’s wider goal of reducing health inequalities and engaging communities.   

The vaccine success story focused on reaching disadvantaged communities, including refugees, asylum seekers, women in domestic abuse shelters, and people facing homelessness.

To make vaccines more accessible, the project set up 13 pop up clinics in diverse locations such as Family Hubs, libraries and shelters to help remove practical barriers and make it more convenient for people to get vaccinated.

Working closely with the NHS Targeted Vaccination Team and locally trusted organisations, the programme provided culturally sensitive support and information to local communities.

Trusted community champions from local groups helped answer questions, share accurate information and challenge myths surrounding vaccines.

Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is amazing to be shortlisted for an LGC Award and it reflects the fantastic work that is being done to help address vaccine hesitancy and low uptake in the city. By partnering with trusted organisations, we were able to reach underserved communities and provide clear, relevant information.

“This approach not only helped the immediate outbreak, but also forms part of our long-term goal of reducing health inequality and engaging with local communities.

“By focusing attention on groups that can be hard to reach and embracing diversity and community collaboration, this project has created a sustainable model for future health interventions. I would like to congratulate everybody involved with this project for all their dedication and fantastic work.”

Matthew Missen, Consultant Public Health at NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, said: “Strong working relationships and partnership-working between the NHS, local authorities, third sector organisations and community groups has been key to the success of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Vaccination Programme.

“By working together, we have benefitted from shared intelligence, expertise, resources and relationships with communities, vital to better engaging people more at risk from vaccine preventable diseases. We share the joint aim of making vaccinations accessible to everyone living in our local area.”

The initiative helped to boost vaccine uptake by 3.1 per cent - after vaccine uptake for both MMR doses in those aged five rose from 83.4 per cent to 86.5 per cent.

The city council plans to expand this successful approach by including other vaccines like HPV and shingles in similar programmes.

Plans also include running workshops to help communities better understand the NHS vaccination schedule and strengthen ties with trusted community organisations to tackle broader health challenges.

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is pleasing to see how involving community can lead to better health outcomes in Stoke-on-Trent and I want to congratulate and thank everybody involved for all their hard work.

“Making vaccines easier to access and improving uptake is a challenge, but this project has shown it is possible through increasing accessibility and sharing accurate information. The Community First project will form the blueprint for future vaccination programmes.

“Well done to everyone involved on this national recognition and wish you the best of luck at the awards later this year.”

The winners of the LGC Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor House, London, on Wednesday 11 June 2025.