SCAS is implementing Make Every Contact Count (MECC) across services to help reduce health inequalities and address the broader determinants of health. Health inequalities refer to the unfair and avoidable differences in health outcomes between different groups, often driven by social, economic, and environmental factors.
Sebastian Thomas, paramedic and Margaret Eaglestone, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, delivered training on MECC. Staff attending the training included front-line, volunteers, education, and corporate services. Staff said that the training was useful, applicable in their roles and positive
MECC is about using the day-to-day interactions we have with others, including our colleagues, patients and public to help people make positive changes to their physical and mental health and access the support they need. It is intended for anyone who has contact with people to “Make Every Contact Count”. You can find out more in this short film MECC Oxfordshire on Vimeo
MECC training is free and available to support staff to gain the skills and confidence needed to have conversations with others about health and wellbeing and signpost to support services if appropriate. The training is designed to support staff to make the most of their everyday conversations and respond appropriately to cues for issues that come up in conversations and may be affecting people’s wellbeing such as money worries, finding a job, mental health and changes to lifestyle such as healthy eating or stopping smoking.