A HEALTH network aimed at meeting the needs of the Caribbean and African community has proved a success say organisers.

The Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) launched in October to change how the community gets information and resources to improve their health and wellbeing.

Charles Kwaku-Odoi, director of strategic partnerships for CAHN, said: “We had an amazing response to the launch of our network last year — it’s great to have so much support for such an important project.

"Since then, we have got straight to work on building relationships with a range of partners and formulating effective ways to ensure that Greater Manchester’s Caribbean and African residents have access to the information and support they need to be healthy and well.”

The network has been auditing health services offered by faith groups in places of worship across Greater Manchester and is also running a health literacy programme to help people in the community navigate the health and social care system.

Across the region 61 organisations have signed up as members of CAHN and more than 30 people have registered as affiliated members.

Jon Rouse, chief officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We welcome the formation of CAHN and hope it will help us to gain a better understanding of the needs of this community. Reducing inequalities is a core priority for us over the coming years.

“This is a great example of the difference that devolution can make. With more decisions being made at a local level, we have an opportunity to involve a broader range of groups, organisations, and partners in the shaping of local services.”

CAHN is being supported by partnerships in the voluntary, health and local government sectors and the social care partnership has committed to continuing to help the network.