About Us

CORE VALUES AND DECLARATION

As a Cluster of CHGN - which we are calling the Uttarakhand Community Health Cluster - we intend to adopt a Declaration of intent as agreed to by the members, and signed below:

1. Ensure regular meetings and communications amongst Cluster members in order to undertake the cluster plans and activities.


2. To set up a cluster framework with specialist cluster consultants, special advisors and a coordinating secretariat.


3. Set up an innovative training program which will include a variety of approaches and practical activities drawing on the experience of different cluster members.


4. Plan to extend holistic and transformational healthcare beyond the geographical boundaries of the cluster member programs.


5. (Under review)


6. By mutual agreement, actively develop future programs and actions for the benefit of the cluster members and for unreached communities in Uttarakhand and adjoining states.


7. Commit to working in a spirit of Christian friendship, respecting the differences in outlook and approach of other Cluster Members


8. Be recognized as an integral part of the Community Health Global Network and be willing both to give and receive information, encouragement and strength as part of the Network.


9. Work in cooperation with agencies including government, donors and other stakeholders on mutually agreed activities


10. Feel able by mutual agreement to add or amend these Principles and Aims.

WHAT IS CHGN

Community Health Global Network (CHGN) is an initiative of InterHealth Worldwide, a UK-based centre for travel medicine and international health. Ted Lankester co-founded this in 1988 on return from India. It now has a staff of over 40 and acts as the medical advisor for many mission agencies and international NGOs.

CHGN started in 2005 as a separate project under InterHealth led by Ted and Dr Nick Henwood (previously a medical missionary in Nepal)

Through an interactive website (www.chgn.org) and the formation of regional clusters, CHGN aims to:

• improve the health of resource-poor communities, by increasing the quality and capacity of the programmes that work with them.


• promote faith-based and community-based approaches to healthcare.


• promote the sharing of health resources, training, experience, skills and good practice.


• encourage the building of links and relationships between CHGN members.


• build a critical mass of high quality, faith-based programmes that can speak credibly in local, national and global health arenas and work alongside private, charitable, national and international health structures.
  

BACKGROUND TO “CLUSTERING”

A cluster is a group of community health programmes which are based in the same geographical areas that agree to work more closely together for their mutual benefit and strengthening. The Uttarkhand Cluster is the first!

CHGN plans to encourage clusters of Community health programs, in particular geographical regions where there are sufficient numbers, to improve their communications and coordination with each other by phone, email, SMS and meeting face to face.

Within CHGN, there are many health consultants who could offer their learning and experience to help facilitate gatherings or workshops. CHGN is keen to reach as many community health workers as possible, even those without internet or phone access. Cluster activities are a good way to do this. It is important that members of clusters are kept informed of what is going on, especially if they have missed a gathering.

Cluster communication and requirements

Communication: Cluster members can be either projects (or in some cases individuals) and are encouraged to keep in regular communication with each other through email, mobile phones, events, and meetings in a way that works best for each cluster.

Requirements: Cluster members must:

• be willing to engage with other cluster members and to become members of CHGN (easily done free and on line).


• be motivated to improve the standard of health programmes in their region


• believe in the value of community health practices, and the training / empowerment of CHWs


• adhere to the Christian values of CHGN


• be committed to a holistic approach to healthcare, and willing therefore to help address the social, environmental, economic and spiritual causes of ill health.



Cluster Operational Guidelines




Each cluster will have its own unique identity and character, depending on its leaders and members, local needs and priorities. It will also be determined by how members can most effectively meet up, communicate and work together in their own particular settings. The UK-based CHGN team does not want to be too descriptive, but rather support local ideas and initiatives. Therefore, the following operational guidelines offer suggestions that can be adapted by each cluster as appropriate:

• Cluster members will have regular communication in a way that works best for each cluster. These will be to share issues, concerns, challenges, ideas, good practice, signs of transformation, etc.


• Cluster members will develop accountable, professional relationships, in order to encourage better performance, trust and fellowship.


• Cluster members will arrange a gathering at least once a year with a specific purpose or focus. They can draw on the skills, expertise and resources of the wider Network to enable this to happen. These gatherings could be hosted by a different member/project each time, to help members understand the issues on the ground for other cluster members and therefore learn from each other.


• From time to time eg at least once every one or two years, clusters should set up larger scale events to help motivate, encourage and train new and existing members. This will also help to address local needs in an integrated and strategic way.


• Either prior to or at the first gathering, cluster members will identify a ‘champion’ or champions who can help ignite and facilitate cluster coordination and develop the cluster’s strategy and focus. This champion(s) will also be the primary link person(s) with the CHGN UK-based team, and present feedback from the cluster for the website and newsletters.


• Clusters would be free to set up committees, action groups and other forms of governance to help maximize the cluster value, and to share responsibilities amongst different organisational and personal members.


• Each cluster gathering could have a different focus or theme for the discussions and/or training. This would enable members to brainstorm solutions and share ideas, resources and best practice for the benefit of the other members and the communities they serve.


• Cluster members must also be willing to identify and link up with community health workers based in areas where there is no regular internet or phone usage, and aim to include these people in cluster activities. For those unable to attend a gathering, they should identify members who can pass on the ideas and resources shared.


• Clusters may wish to work together towards a more major initiative such as a permanent training facility, a consortium to attract joint funding, or other activities/or events relevant to their particular situation.

HISTORY: WHERE DID THE CHGN-UKC CAME FROM

The cluster owes its current unity to a common Christian Heritage. Each program is faith based and recognises the role that God has played in bringing them into existence and sustaining them.

A number of faithful servants assisted in the development of these programs. Dr Ted Lankester, Dr Peter Deutschmann two such people who served in Uttarakhand for a number of years and were integral in the development of many of the current community health programs.

Since then each of the Cluster NGOs have built on the firm foundation of the Kingdom and developed diverse and effective community health program activities.