Integrated health award winners

HRH The Prince of Wales will present the Awards and meet representatives from all the winner projects today (13^th May 2009), at Putting People First, the Foundation’s national conference on Integrated Health. The ceremony will take place at the King’s Fund, London.

The winning projects have taken integrated approaches into some of the most difficult situations - including help for prisoners and street sex workers.  There are also exceptional projects with cancer sufferers, the very old and the troubled young.  Some, but not all, can treat the ills of the body. All are united in reaching into the hearts and minds of their users - listening with respect and treating with agreement.

David Brownlow, the Foundation’s chairman, said:

“It is both humbling and hugely encouraging to see the dedication, enthusiasm and sheer hard work that our winners have put into their projects.

“They – and our short-listed projects too – are exemplars of all that is good about our society. And they demonstrate without a shadow of doubt that an integrated approach to healthcare can transform lives.”

Overall winner, England: Escape from the streets for female sex workers

The women who end up selling sex on the streets of Bristol are usually at the end of a long history of dispossession and abuse - many come from the care system, are addicted to drugs and are being pimped by their 'boyfriends'.  Many die and those who live are often regarded as a social nuisance.  One25's extraordinary service brings food, counselling and medical services to women in this situation.  As a result, many have left sex work behind, reclaimed their children from care and now lead normal lives.

Overall winner, Scotland: Pathways to work condition management programme

People with chronic conditions can languish in unemployment for years - gradually losing hope and skills and often becoming socially isolated.  Pathways to work in Clyde bridges the gap between the Job Centre and the NHS, giving people space, talking therapies, integrated advice and exercise to help improve their condition.  Not everyone returns to paid work, but in just six months many completely turn their lives around.

Overall winner, Northern Ireland: Getting it together

Teenagers generally don't listen to adult preaching, they listen to their peer group - which is why so many worthy campaigns aimed at this age group fail.  The 'Getting it together' project is designed by young people, for young people, covering issues from self esteem, to depression, to having children, dealing with drugs and finding useful work.  It's supported by Western Health and Social Trust who say it's been the most effective way of talking to this age group that they've tried for years.

Overall winner, Wales: Eco Learning at EcoDysgu

Young people may fail at school and get into trouble with the police because the education they are receiving doesn't teach them how to deal with the griefs in their lives, or tap into their intelligence in the right way.

EcoDysgu offers a very different approach: combining healing, good food and practical projects at a run down farm in the midst of a big wood on the outskirts of Bridgend. The results are transformational, as schools, police and social services have all testified.

Overall winner, Judges’ Special Prize: ExtraCare for the third age

So many regard 'old people's homes' with fear and dread.  At the Warrington Extracare complex, people in their fifties are queueing up to buy or rent a flat - knowing that they can have as much or as little support as they need for the rest of their lives. There's also access to a gym, fitness classes, regular health checks, swimming, fruit and veg and complementary care.  And it's all affordable on a State pension.  We believe this scheme - which has the buzzing atmosphere of a university halls of residence - should be the pattern for third age provision in the future.

Runner-up,  England:  The Sara Lee Trust

The Sara Lee Trust offers complementary therapies, psychological support and access to nature for patients suffering from cancer.  Created at a time when it was still unusual for hospices to offer counselling, the charity has lived through huge change.  But, as FIH discovered, there are still many people who would have little support during or after their orthodox cancer treatment without Sara Lee's support.  Helping patients turn back to life, or face death with dignity, they are an essential support for many of their users.

Runner-up, Scotland:  The Haven

For several years the Haven has offered a safe place, talk, homeliness and complementary therapies for those living with cancer, MS and motor neurone disease.  Now they've expanded their service with walks and gym access for those who are relatively well and home complementary therapies - even in the final days of life - for the very ill.  Many travel across the county to use this exceptional service.

Runner-up, Northern Ireland:  Green Gyms

Access to gardens and the pleasure of growing things can be restricted to the better off in some city areas.  Green Gyms help people from schoolchildren to psychiatric patients to pensioners improve their fitness, their neighbourhood, their diet and their social circle.

Runner-up, Wales: Depression busting

Many embark on a period of depression, prozac in hand, thinking that the drugs will sort them out in a few weeks.  But for many this doesn't work.  Unemployment and long, passive periods on a waiting list for psychological support may be the result.  Depression busting is a course for people with depression, by people who've recovered, helping them to take proactive steps to combat their illness.  Now operating out of doctor's surgeries in South Wales, it gives a far more rounded approach to tackling what can be a very serious, debilitating illness.

Runner-up, Judges’ Special Prize: Positive Images

To care for your body and be a useful member of society, you have to value yourself.  Positive Images works with women who are in prison to help them make good choices - turning away from street drugs and making time rather than doing time.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.     The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1993. Its principal aim is to make sure that all patients can access good integrated healthcare. That means treating patients as whole human beings – paying attention to body, mind and soul. It may include access to proven complementary therapies, but the Foundation does not suggest that is necessarily the best course of action for all conditions and all patients. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.fih.org.uk

2.     Health and medical journalists who wish to attend the Integrated Health conference should register with Pat Goodall at the address below. In addition to HRH The Prince of Wales, speakers will include Dame Carol Black, rock star Roger Daltrey and US Senator Barbara Mikulski.

3.     This is the fifth year of the Integrated Health Awards. Winners in the national categories will receive £5,000 for their projects, sponsored by the Health Departments of their respective countries. The winner of the Judges’ Special Prize will receive £2,500, sponsored by ConvTec.

4.     Full details of the winning projects can be found at www.fih.org.uk or from Pat Goodall.

5.     Media enquiries to Pat Goodall, 01246 410707, 07789 871234 or pat.goodall@fih.org.uk

6.     All other enquiries to contactus@fih.org.uk or call 020 7024 5755.