HIIC the course

Overview

HIIC is a training course that enables participants to develop their understanding of the range of factors that affect their health and the health of their communities and to explore how these factors can be addressed using community development approaches.

The core underpinning theme of HIIC is community development. Although this term can be used to describe many different types of activity the particular perspective that is taken here places value on supporting individuals to work collectively; on extending participatory democracy; and on social justice and equity.

The course draws on a social model of health which views health and illness as having as much to do with economic and social factors as with individual behaviour. It seeks to promote the value of equity in terms of equal access to health, and to counter discrimination. The course supports people to participate in decision-making processes and to take a more active role in the planning and delivery of services.

Guiding principles

The guiding principles which have informed the approach include the following:

• That the life experience and knowledge of course members are recognised as the starting point for analysis and discussion.

• That one of the basic processes in learning is the opportunity to reflect on our ideas with other people.

• That it is important for people to develop the skills of critical reflection on the determinants of health and ill-health, and about themselves in relation to society.

• That people should be enabled to participate in the political process as active citizens and helped to acquire the knowledge or confidence needed for this.

• That learning can be a creative, fulfilling and enjoyable activity.

Learning objectives

The objectives of the HIIC programme are for participants to:

• Gain a broad understanding of the key topic areas – a social model of health, health inequalities, power & participation, and community development approaches in health.

• Develop their knowledge, skills and confidence to apply this learning to their own individual lives and the lives of their communities.

There are two parts to HIIC each containing 8 units. See an outline of each unit here from the generic pack.