EPF Capacity Building Programme – 18 Polish Patient Organisations Take the First Steps Towards Long-Term Sustainability
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On the 19th and 20th of June, EPF organised the first face-to-face training of the Capacity Building Programme in Poland. Over two days and under the guidance of a team of trainers, 18 Polish patient organisations took the first steps towards developing their own long-term strategy. The training also aims at fostering a collaborating culture between patient organisations and health stakeholders.
Launched in 2012, the Capacity Building Programme is designed to develop the capacity of both national and European level patient organisations. After Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Cyprus, Poland is the latest country to enrol in the programme.
This new and important chapter has a two-fold objective:
- To support the participating organisations in developing a sustainability strategy (2-3 year-long) and plans that best suit the organisations’ capacities, priorities and resources, as well as the demands from the external environment;
- To support the participating organisations in the implementation of their sustainability plans, and/or specific mini-projects, using the skills and techniques learned during the training.
Officially kicked-off in March this year, the programme saw its first training session taking place in Warsaw on the 19th and 20th of June. 18 Polish patient organisations representing different chronic diseases had the possibility to learn more about the key elements that should be taken into consideration during the development of a strategic plan. The training also gave the possibility to local participants to explore fundraising opportunities and practice strategic communication techniques.
But crucially, the workshop offered a valuable opportunity for representatives to get to know each other better and deepen their network, creating strong bonds within the patient community!
The objective of the first phase of the Capacity Building Programme in Poland is that by the end of 2017, each organisation will have defined, for themselves;
- a clear vision and mission statement;
- their guiding principles and values;
- their long-term goals;
- their main areas of operations.
The launch of the programme in Poland results from a long-term commitment to supporting local patient organisations to become more effective in achieving their objectives and aspirations. We are glad to be part of this exciting journey and we will keep you posted on the developments.
About the EPF Capacity Building Programme
The Capacity Building Programme was designed in 2012 to respond to needs and concerns which have been identified by our membership during previous activities of EPF. As such, it supports patients organisations to strengthen their role as equal players in the healthcare environment.
Romania and Hungary joined the programme in late 2012 with Bulgaria and Hungary following in 2013. Targeted activities aimed at building the capacity of our member in Cyprus were carried out in 2014-2015. Poland is the latest country to join the programme, in March 2017.
If you would like to know more about what is happening in each country, have a look on our website: (http://www.eu-patient.eu/whatwedo/capacity-building-programme/).
Contact: Elena Balestra, Membership and Capacity Building Officer