Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is an approach that uses everyday conversations as an opportunity to talk with someone about making positive changes that could improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing, especially those at risk of poor health and with long term conditions.
In Darlington we offer Make Every Contact Count (MECC) training which is 1.5 hours and can be delivered face to face or virtually via Teams. Or we offer the Train the Trainer approach, which involves a 3.5-hour training session for trainers to then disseminate the training via their own workforce or connections.
The training focuses on enhancing your skills and confidence to have health promoting conversations, building on a person-centred approach offering very brief advice, brief interventions or signposting to support a range of issues.
We are open to discussions around bespoke training needs for your team.
For more information on MECC you can visit the MECC Gateway [external link] or contact public.health@darlington.gov.uk / 01325 406205
Social Prescribing in Darlington
Social prescribing supports people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to non-medical link workers, who create time for their patients to focus on ‘what matters to me’.
Based in every GP practice across the town, all who live in Darlington have access to the service offered.
Social prescribers take a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
They support individuals on a one-to-one basis and where needed, can attend with patients for initial group or service attendance if patients are nervous or anxious.
The goal of social prescribing is to connect or re-connect people to the vast array of services, activities and goodwill that exist in local communities.
This video by Transformation Partners in Health and Care and our podcast episode explains what social prescribing is.