What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can we improve across system boundaries?​

Our families from ethnic minority communities, including those seeking asylum and/or refugees face barriers and inequity in accessing services including education, housing and health. The disjointed nature of our services between NHS, voluntary and social care impacts access further, disrupts continuity of care and trust, and increases trauma and displacement for these families.

By ensuring that families have early intervention and holistic support we will reduce likelihood of crisis and health inequalities, leading to system waste, increased waiting lists, reduced life expectancy and poor health outcomes.

We will link into organisations across the sectors in our system to continuously improve education, practice, processes and service delivery to learn together how to best meet the needs of people experiencing multiple disadvantage.

What does your project aim to achieve?

Our main aim is to provide a needs led approach and support, to ensure displaced families feel secure, safe and supported during their transition across system borders and to provide continuity of care to reduce the impact on health outcomes and quality of life.

The benefits of the support will include:

• Healthcare literacy and competence in self-care and self management of health and wellbeing needs.
• Continuity of care and support across borders.
• Improved health and wellbeing, through addressing physiological needs and social determinants of health.
• Improved health equality and inclusion in service provision, reducing the inequity experienced by those experiencing multiple disadvantage, ethnic minorities communities, those experiencing deprivation and environmental inequalities within rural areas in Surrey and asylum/refugee hotels.

How will the project be delivered?

The project will be delivered across Surrey Heartlands system and across borders into South West London, Sussex, Frimley and Hampshire. Through a partnership with SMEF and the cross organisational ICB and Surrey County Council Best Start team. Best Start brings together all sectors, including health, social care, education, housing, local authorities, council, VCSE and research partners.

Governance and risk management will be conducted by the Best Start and SMEF project management teams and will feed into the Best Start Board and executives.

We’ve assembled a diverse team of individuals with a variety of skills to contribute to the success of the project. Among us are experts in project management, colleagues skilled in various improvement methodologies, adept at data analysis, and specialised in co-production and engagement strategies.

How is your project going to share learning?

Learning will be disseminated through the Best Start Board, Forum, and newsletter. The Integrated Care Board transformation team, in collaboration with Surrey Improvers Network, will share insights with improvers across Surrey Heartlands. As part of ongoing quality improvement, they will assist organizations system-wide in implementing change. The ICB team’s involvement in CORE20+5 delivery ensures the pilot’s inclusion in regional and national learning disseminated across the UK. Presentations and publications will be conducted to promote the work nationally to Q members and beyond. Promotion efforts will extend to platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and other forums.