Engagement to support Independence and Wellbeing

As we age, maintaining independence and wellbeing becomes increasingly important. Everyday tasks may take longer, mobility can become more challenging, and recovering from illness or stress may take more time. These changes can impact not only physical health but also social connections and overall quality of life. 

However, communities play a vital role in supporting people to live independently for longer. By getting involved, sharing experiences, and contributing to health initiatives, the public can help shape the services and support available to those who need them. 

Public involvement in health decision-making ensures that services are designed with real needs in mind. Whether by participating in consultations, joining community health groups, or providing feedback on services, your voice can help create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone. 

Find out how you can get involved and make a difference in shaping the future of health and wellbeing support. 

Improving HPV vaccine uptake among young people with Learning Disabilities

We want to improve the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among young people with learning disabilities. This aim is part of the Core20Plus5 Accelerator Programme aimed at enhancing cancer outcomes through early detection.

Importance of the HPV vaccine

The initiative focuses on ensuring that all eligible young people, particularly those with learning disabilities, have access to the HPV vaccination. Research indicates that this demographic has lower vaccination rates, but the underlying reasons for this trend remain unclear.

Research methodology

To address this issue, Surrey Heartlands conducted a study involving one-on-one interviews with parents and carers of young people aged 14-17 with learning disabilities. The insights gathered from these interviews are crucial for developing recommendations to enhance vaccine access and understanding.

Key findings from the research

The study revealed varied perspectives among parents regarding the HPV vaccine:

  • Proactive consent: Parents who actively support vaccinations and ensure their child receives the vaccine.
  • Conditional support: Parents who recommend the vaccine but leave the final decision to their child.
  • Passive consent: Parents who assume their child is vaccinated without following up.

Reasons for declining consent

Several factors contribute to parents declining consent for the HPV vaccine:

  • Perceived lack of relevance: Some parents believe their child is too young for the vaccine or that it may not have lasting effects.
  • Vaccine hesitancy: Concerns about safety, myths regarding side effects, misinformation, or fears of overwhelming the immune system.
  • Limited awareness: Uncertainty about the vaccine's benefits, especially for boys.

Barriers to vaccine uptake

The research identified several barriers that hinder vaccine uptake:

  • Missed school vaccination days: Many children miss vaccination opportunities due to logistical issues or lack of alternative appointments.
  • Young person’s refusal: Factors such as anxiety, fear of needles, and increased hesitancy following the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to refusals.

Recommendations for improvement

Engaging the community in open discussions, enhancing awareness, and ensuring accessibility are vital steps to increase HPV vaccination rates among young people with learning disabilities.

Growing Health Together

Growing Health Together invites people living and working in communities across East Surrey to collaborate to co-create conditions in which everyone’s health and wellbeing can flourish.

Growing Health Together recognises the huge assets for health and wellbeing that exist outside of the formal health service, in the places we live. From walking groups, coffee mornings and mutual aid groups, through to local parks, lakes and wild spaces, there is much close at hand to support our wellbeing.

Research shows that factors in our day to day lives – such as how active we are and how connected we are to others, along with the impact of employment, income, education, and the built and natural environment – influence our health far more than healthcare.

Find out more on the Growing Health Together website.