Become a connector

Connecting people is a programme that allows us to ensure a level of consistency is met throughout involvement activity across our Trust footprint. Through the programme our connectors receive training which helps to build knowledge, skills and confidence around legal legislation around public involvement, the way that the NHS works, and explores different approaches to ensure that approaches are reflective of the communities we are aiming to reach.

As a community connector you act as an advocate on behalf of your community by giving them a say in how aspects of our services are designed and delivered across the Trust. Your contribution can be in any way which interests you, and you can decide how much involvement you want. Examples of ways you can contribute include:

• By helping to deliver surveys, engagement activities and consultations

• Helping to organise and participate in events
• Getting involved in projects
• Distributing leaflets and information in your local gyms, community centres, churches, mosques etc
• Gathering insight, information and feedback from your friends, family and the local community

The connecting people programme is about harnessing the power of communities. It allows us to connect with our diverse communities by utilising pre-existing relationships, groups and forums and bringing involvement into spaces that people are already routinely meeting and attending. It helps foster a physical and psychological safety around sharing experiences, insight and opinions and ensures that involvement approaches are fully adapted and accessible for the participants.

• Anyone who lives or works in Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees or Wakefield.

• Our Trust staff or any NHS staff members that would like to act as champions for their services in local areas.
• Trust members or governors.

We are keen to have a diverse set of people from as many backgrounds as possible, including carers, people from BAME communities, anyone with a disability, and people who identify as LGBT+.​​​​​​​

Your contribution can be in any way which interests you, and you can decide how much involvement you want. Examples of ways you can contribute include:

• By helping to deliver surveys, engagement activities and consultations
• Helping to organise and participate in events
• Getting involved in projects
• Distributing leaflets and information in your local gyms, community centres, churches, mosques etc.
• Gathering  insight, information and feedback from your friends, family and the local community

Remember, you choose what you do, how you do it and how much you want to be involved.

To become a community connector, you will need to complete two, two-hour training sessions in full – this can be done as a block together or over time in the same training order. We are holding a few sessions using Microsoft Teams, and some face to face. Once you have completed both sessions, we can register you as a trained community connector.

If you would like to find out more about our Connecting People programme or to register an interest in getting involved, please contact the Equality and Involvement Team on InvolvingPeople@swyt.nhs.uk, or alternatively you can call Yasmin on 07387 534228

Full training and support will be provided to all participants.

Page last updated on: 21^st June 2026