We have launched our community ambassador programme, a new initiative designed to build stronger, more meaningful connections between the hospital and local communities in Harlow and surrounding areas.
The programme is led by former Non-Executive Director Anne Wafula Strike, who is now Community Engagement and Partnerships Lead at PAHT. It will bring together respected community leaders – from faith groups, local organisations, and public figures – who will serve as trusted ambassadors for the hospital and the community.
Anne said: “The ambassadors will play a vital role in sharing information about hospital services and ensuring the voices of residents are heard. It’s about building trust, fostering understanding and developing engagement and co-production of health and wellbeing activities. It will also help the hospital build further awareness of emerging health and wellbeing issues and what matters to the community.
“By working together, we aim to create a healthier, better-informed, and more connected community. This exciting community ambassador programme is a step forward in ensuring that our hospital truly reflects and serves the needs of the people it cares for.”
The programme has made a strong start, with Ian Beckett, a highly respected community leader, confirmed as its first community ambassador. Ian has been involved at committee level with Harlow Community Associations since his teens and was an elected member of Harlow Council for six years. He was previously a volunteer for St Clare Hospice and a leader for Heart 4 Harlow. Ian has volunteered in a number of roles at PAHT since 2018 and is an Authorised Local Preacher at St Stephen’s Church in Tye Green. Ian is also an active participant in theatre and creative arts in Harlow.
Herty Ama Twumwaa, who runs Community Embrace, a Harlow organisation that collects and distributes donated and surplus food and supplies through their community pantry and outreach programmes, and three further candidates are in the process of being appointed. Together with Anne, the ambassador team will function as a bridge between the hospital and the public – promoting awareness and supporting initiatives that improve health and wellbeing in the area. The ambassador programme will support the Trust in building authentic relationships and bridging gaps between the residents and the neighbourhood.
The community ambassador programme is guided by the NHS values of honesty, compassion, fairness, and openness. The ambassadors will receive training and ongoing support, with regular updates provided by the charity and communications teams.
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive, said: “Our new Rise strategy (2026-2031) is about transforming healthcare for our communities – creating rising hope, rising communities and rising standards for the people we serve. The community ambassador programme is a powerful example of this in action, helping us to listen more closely, build stronger relationships and work alongside local people to shape services that truly meet their needs.
“Through the three core elements of Recover, Renew and Rise, we will continue to focus on improving care, raising standards and working in partnership with our communities. I am delighted to see this programme bring that ambition to life in such a meaningful and practical way.”
Pictured: Anne Wafula Strike, front row, second from right; with Ian Beckett, Community Ambassador, back row, second from left; Jo Ward, Chief Nursing Officer (Interim), back row, second from right; Phillipa Haslehurst, Voluntary Services Manager, back row, far right; with supporters of the programme from PAHT.