Different population groups have different information needs, and this category was designed to celebrate excellence in reaching people who are prevented by disability or social situation from easily getting or using mainstream information to help them make decisions about their medicines.

Winner:

Calderstones NHS Trust with Ask About Medicines Week activities for clients with learning disabilities

This initiative targeted the 200 clients/patients in the Trust who had mild or moderate learning disabilities and the staff that work with them. The aim was to raise awareness and to develop clients understanding of the medicines they were taking and why they were taking them.

There were a number of activities involved in a week of initiatives:

• Posters were downloaded from the Ask About Medicines website
• A poster competition was held with clients – and displayed
• Presentations and materials were on display in the Trust canteen for the duration of the week – allowing people to drop in and receive information
• A ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ style quiz was developed, as well as word search games for clients
• Presentations provided on clozapine and rapid tranquilisation, followed up with leaflets and materials for clients
• The Trust used the week to secure user input into the development of a booklet on medicines for people with learning disabilities.

The weeks activities were a great success and the Trust even managed to secure coverage in the local newspaper.

Runner-up:

Cancerbackup with Cancer information for people from BME communities