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'Making Every Contact Count’ or MECC, is a national initiative that aims to improve the health of the people around us. For a useful summary watch a brief video ‘What the Heck is MECC’
The MECC approach encourages us all to have very brief conversations about health issues as part of the everyday contact that we have with other people and if appropriate, let them know where they can get further information or support.
Appropriately encouraging someone talk about an issue affecting their health may:
In order to Make Every Contact Count, we encourage you to:
For services in Brent we offer a range of free, 60-90 minute briefings on various topics that impact on the health of our population.
These briefings, do not replace core training however they act as a refresher and stimulus for conversations between colleagues, they are usually delivered during team meetings and where possible are tailored to suit the context of each team.
Each briefing will:
For a useful summary watch this brief video 'How does MECC work in Brent'.
In the past we have also offered briefings on the following topics and if appropriate (and depending on capacity), we may also be able deliver these or weave some of these issues into our briefings:
For further details about the aim and learning objectives for each briefing, or to enquire about the possibility of a MECC session being delivered in your team or group meeting, please contact:
Sandy Youngson
mecc@brent.gov.uk
The Learning and Development options below are available to any staff team who work (paid or voluntarily) with people in Brent – to enquire about availability and to explore dates, please contact Sandy.youngson@brent,gov.uk
An Introduction to Making Every Contact Count (MECC), Public Health & Health Inequalities (90 minutes)
Exploring the concept of MECC – including how, why, and when we can put it into practice; The basic principles of Public Health – including the ‘social determinants of health’ and the impact of health inequalities. Elements of this session will be woven into all the other briefing topics.
Air Quality (60 minutes)
The quality of the air we breathe impacts the health of us all at a fundamental level. This session explores not only the impact of traffic, industry, agriculture, and climate change on Brent, but also how damp, mould and smoking specifically affect the indoor environment.
Caring - The Impact of Giving Unpaid Care (60 minutes)
This session explores the importance of early identification of both Young and Adult Carers, support available for the role they play, how to access carers assessments and what is expected of all professionals under the new Brent Carers Strategy and the ‘No Wrong Doors’ policy.
Dementia (60 minutes)
This is a ‘Dementia Friend’s Information Session’, developed in partnership with people living with dementia by Alzheimer's Society and provides a basic understanding of dementia. Completing the session enables participants to become ’Dementia Friends’. www.dementiafriends.org.uk
Domestic Abuse (60-90 minutes)
This briefing explores the definition of domestic abuse and includes sections on coercion & control; un-healthy & healthy relationships; misogyny and the manosphere, etc. Participants will learn about gaslighting, Clare’s law, revenge porn, economic abuse, consent and emerging DA research regarding animal abuse, faith-based abuse and chemical constraint, etc.
Drugs Awareness Training (Basic or Advanced) (2.5 hours – full day) Content and level of interactivity depends on the length of session!
A 60-minute session is available for groups with good basic knowledge, who only require updates on latest trends, research, guidance/or legislation.
Exploring the impact substances have on individuals, families, communities, the economy, environment, and our criminal justice and health systems and how to access treatment & recovery services in Brent. Participants will explore addiction, dependence, relative harm, harm reduction, legislation as well as the history, politics, and ethics of drug use (including organised crime, gangs, county lines, cuckooing, modern slavery, etc).
Drugs – The Safeguarding Context is a 3 hour training based on the basic drug awareness training but with particular references to Safeguarding Case Reviews that have influenced safeguarding policy and practice in relation to drug use. This training should be booked via the Brent Safeguarding Partnerships - Brent SCB/SAB - Learning Management System
Female Genital Mutilation - Recognising and Responding to FGM (2.5 hour training)
Delivered to your whole staff team or individuals can book via the Brent Safeguarding Partnerships (Brent SCB/SAB - Learning Management System) - you will Learn about FGM from a global perspective and what that means for us in Brent, including your legal and safeguarding responsibilities and Brent data, etc.
Financial Exclusion – The Social and Health Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis (60 minutes)
This briefing briefly examines the financial exclusion of people in Brent, participants will explore what happens when people are put under financial pressure and what is in place to support people experiencing economic crisis.
Gambling and Gaming (60 minutes)
Gambling debt has become increasingly linked to the cost-of-living crisis, low wellbeing and suicide, and Gaming has been linked to a range of safeguarding and wellbeing concerns. Whilst most may not experience problems related to their gambling and/or gaming, many of our residents do. This session encourages both identification of those who need support and how to access the services that can help.
Mental Health and Wellbeing (90minutes)
This briefing will clarify participants’ understanding of mental health, mental ill-health, and mental wellbeing. The session focuses on the evidence base for sustaining positive mental wellbeing - the ‘5+1 ways to wellbeing’. Participants will explore resources and services available to people in Brent which may increase their ability to navigate the peaks and troughs of life. Click to see a very brief video about the 5+1 Ways to Wellbeing - MECC in a Minute - The 5+1 Ways to Wellbeing - YouTube.
Mental Health First Aid (2 day, face to face training)
We offer two different 2-day training courses - one for those working with adults & one for those working with 8-18 year olds. Both are accredited by Mental Health First Aid England, and participants will receive resources, access to the MHFA app, the Association of Mental Health First Aiders and a certificate of completion. Spaces are limited, expressions of interest via our form.
We also offer the half day MHFA refresher for those approaching three years since they completed a two day Adult MHFAider Course.
Safeguarding - Children and Adults (90 minutes)
This Briefing should not be used to replace ‘single agency’ safeguarding training requirements.
Highlighting the similarities and differences between safeguarding children and safeguarding adults and explores the impact that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) have on adult health conditions. Referencing legislation, guidance, and past cases this session acts as a brief refresher for what is expected of us in regard to safeguarding residents, ourselves, colleagues and data.
Previous briefing topics on which we may also be able deliver or weave into other briefings, include;
For more information about MECC or to arrange a MECC topic briefing for your team or organisation, please contact sandy.youngson@brent.gov.uk
MECC Link gives you access to a full range of signposting information for health improvement, including self-care and national and local support services