Russell Hogarth is now the Community Engagement Officer of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing.
Russell is not new to the NFHW. Keen watchers would have noticed that Russell has been associated with the NFHW for the last few years. He was instrumental in bringing in the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as one of the key partners of the NFHW. He also was the driving force behind NFHW’s annual Preston Health Mela being organised at the UCLan premises.
Russell’s expertise as an independent advisor for Community Engagement in Higher Education and his experience in Health and Social care is now recognised both nationally and internationally. He is a Fellow of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing and esteemed advisory member of the British Association of Social workers [BASW] and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He is an Honorary Fellow and Community Ambassador at the University of Central Lancashire. He was awarded his fellowship in recognition of his voluntary work with a special emphasis on mental health.
Russell is a patron for ‘DanceSyndrome’ providing inclusive dance workshops for people with and without disabilities, with a focus on ‘ability, not disability’. He is also an Appeals Patron, with the Bishop of Liverpool for the young adult end of life network, “LifeNoW”.
Russell created the ‘Teddy Bear Clinic’ for the Nursing students in the School of Health at UCLan. He co-founded the national and international pan University Creative Communities Group.
Russell, supported by the Creative Communities Group manager Nigel Farnworth and his CCGUK colleagues, have delivered a number of highly successful community engagement events, including the highly evaluated conference seminar and classroom workshop ‘Towards a Better Tomorrow’.
Russell’s areas of particular expertise and experience are community and stakeholder involvement in higher education and policy-making, as well as the use of narrative, media and creative techniques in education to help raise awareness, educate and combat stigma and discrimination often associated with many health and social care conditions.
Russell has several publications to his credit and his area of special interest is creative teaching as a pathway to inclusion and accessible education and this is highlighted in his book, published with Dr Gayle Brewer, entitled: Creative Education, Teaching and Learning.
Speaking of his new role, Russell said “It’s an honour and a pleasure to be appointed the NFHW Community Engagement Officer. Successful community engagement requires team work and collaboration. The NFHW have, as a team, been delivering successful community events across the North West for almost 20 years. Having over 50 years experience of health and social care, I’m well aware of the importance of good health and wellbeing and how it affects individuals, families and the greater community.”
Professor Romesh Gupta, OBE and Chairman of the NFHW said “Russell initially coordinated the volunteer workforce and was awarded a NFHW fellowship for his commitment to the principles of the forum. With his broader role and engaging the community to take charge of their own health, NFHW is delighted that Russell has accepted his new role.”
