Childhood Immunisation Grant Fund Insight Report

Executive Summary

This report summarises the activities, events, and lessons learned from the South West London Childhood Immunisation Grant Fund 2024. The programme provided grants of up to £500 to community and voluntary organisations to promote awareness about childhood immunisations, and to signpost to the relevant NHS services.

With a rise in measles cases in summer 2024, the fund aimed to increase vaccination uptake by working with trusted community organisations to engage parents and carers. The grant programme aimed to increase awareness about childhood immunisations including MMR, whooping cough and flu. It also focused on understanding local communities’ views on immunisations. 36 organisations from six boroughs (Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth) were funded to host activities between July and September 2024, reaching 3800 people. The funding was distributed by Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) on behalf of the South West London VCSE Alliance.

What we achieved:

• The childhood immunisation grant programme engaged diverse communities, providing information in 20 languages including English and Polish as the most common, and then Urdu, Arabic, Tamil, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Turkish, Romanian, Bengali, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Farsi, Ukrainian, Italian, Lithuanian, Igbo, and Albanian. Materials were also provided in Easy Read. Polish, Tamil, Urdu and Ukrainian.
• Parents felt reassured and more informed about childhood immunisations.
• Engagement with nine community and voluntary sector organisations who we had not worked with previously as part of this childhood immunisation fund.
• Continuing our relationship with 27 community and voluntary sector organisations who had previously been successful in our winter grant programmes.

What we heard:

• Community trust: events delivered by trusted community organisations helped parents feel more confident about vaccinations.
• Information needs: Parents wanted clearer information and guidance on vaccination schedules, ingredients and alternatives such as non-gelatine for flu vaccines.
• Barriers: Some organisations face language barriers have concerns about vaccine safety and difficulty accessing GP services.

What worked well:

• Fun, child-friendly events attracted families and created opportunities for conversations.
• Clear, accessible materials including translations were well received.
• NHS staff at events reassured parents.

What could be improved for future funding:

• Simpler handouts, for parents to take home.
• Ensuring materials and translations are delivered on time.
• Provide more notice for clinical attendance and flexibility for planning events.

To build on this success we will:

• Develop clear, culturally sensitive vaccine information.
• Use the learning from this grant programme to feed into our future grant programmes.

Introduction

This report details the activities, events, and insights collected as part of the South West London Childhood Immunisation Grant Fund 2024. It includes key learnings from the grant programme, which has informed our winter engagement fund 2024 – 2025.

Grants of up to £500 were offered to community and voluntary sector organisations to support their communities in staying healthy and well, as well as to signpost local NHS services and support aligned with our childhood immunisation campaigns.

As part of this funding, organisations were required to gather insights and feedback from people and communities in South West London (Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, Wandsworth) to help inform local understanding of childhood immunisations. Each funded organisation was asked to complete a feedback and evaluation form to capture this insight and learning.

We worked closely with our voluntary and community organisations, partnerships, and networks to promote the fund through trusted local voices and organisations, enabling greater engagement with our communities.

Funding was distributed by Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA), which managed the grant process on behalf of the South West London Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Alliance.

Why?

With measles cases on the rise in South West London during the Summer in 2024, we worked with community and voluntary sector organisations to raise awareness and encourage parents and carers vaccinate their children.

What did we do

Between July and September, we funded 36 community and voluntary organisations across South West London to run activities and raise awareness about childhood immunisations, including MMR, whooping cough, and flu, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Grant Fund.

These events reached 3800 people in Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Wandsworth. The activities aimed to help parents, carers, pregnant women, and grandparents from different backgrounds receive information and have conversations about childhood immunisations.

27 of the organisations had previously received funding as part of the 23/24 winter engagement fund, while nine were new organisations and had not received funding or worked with South West London NHS previously.

Building on our trusted relationships with these organisations we aimed to reach those facing poorer health outcomes to:

• Share clear, helpful information about MMR and local services.
• Strengthen connections with communities.
• Listen to feedback to improve our messaging.

Feedback showed that many people left their events feeling better informed, reassured, and motivated to book MMR vaccinations or speak to healthcare professionals for more information. Having trusted community members share information in a way that respects cultural sensitivities made a big difference, helping parents feel more confident in their decisions. However, there is still mistrust within communities around vaccinations and transparency on vaccination ingredients. Continuing to fund community and voluntary sector organisations is essential for building trust with local communities. These organisations act as trusted voices, helping us share culturally relevant information and maintain open conversations. Sustained grant funding allows us to support informed decision-making, especially in communities where people may feel concerned about vaccinations.  

The events also highlighted some important community needs, like clearer information on what vaccines contain, cultural competency, and extra support for families who have recently arrived in the UK and may face challenges accessing healthcare.

Activities we funded

Croydon 

• Inspire New Creative Performing Arts: Hosted a community conversation workshop for parents with young children, combining games and discussions about immunisations. 
• Empowering Tamil Families: Talks about childhood immunisations in Tamil, providing leaflets (English and Tamil) and contact numbers for GPs. 
• Addiscombe Boys and Girls Club: Organised peer-to-peer talk organisations to discuss child immunisations and provide factual information. 
• Aim High Dance Academy: Ran a 4-week carer and toddler dance course with discussions on childhood immunisations and other health topics. 
• Knowledge and Practice: Hosted a parent/children play day focused on cooking healthy meals and discussing vaccinations. 
• The Family Centre Fieldway: Organised a Family Fun Day with activities and information stalls about the childhood immunisation campaign. 
• Babyzone Croydon: Offered a Summer Wellbeing Event with vaccination advice and support from local healthcare professionals. 
• Ukrainian Community Centre: Hosted events for Ukrainian refugee families to provide information about NHS services and immunisations. 
• Floating Counselling Community: Used their Summer Holiday Club to educate parents about immunisations through flyers and sessions with NHS professionals. 
• Creative Croydon CIC: Held a late summer nature event with opportunities to discuss vaccinations and guide parents on booking them. 
• Mother of Nations: Incorporated vaccination information into weekly online parenting training and coaching run with Floating Counselling Community in Croydon. 

Kingston 

• Korean Culture and Arts UK CIC: Ran a summer nursery group play session for mothers to discuss vaccinations. 
• RBKares: Hosted a children-focused wellbeing event featuring activities and support from the SWL Roving Immunisation Team. 
• KingsGate Church/Kingston Women’s Hub: Included the childhood immunisation messages into their weekly parent/carer toddler stay-and-play group. 

Merton 

• Jigsaw4u (Wilson Wellbeing Centre): Ran a summer programme with classes and discussions on childhood immunisations. 
• Five ASide Theatre: Dedicated a storytelling session to health, fitness, and vaccinations for families. 
• NEMCA (North Mitcham Community Association): Replaced a parent and toddler group session with an information session on health and immunisations. 
• Togetherness Community Centre: Hosted a day of activities including presentations and Q&A sessions on childhood immunisations. 
• Inner Strength Network: Held an afternoon tea at a local refuge to discuss immunisations in a supportive environment. – this is confirmed. 

Richmond 

• Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow: Dedicated Family Group sessions to the childhood immunisations campaign and promoted it through newsletters and social media. 
• Richmond EAL (English as an Additional Language) Friendship Group: Hosted a special class on vaccinations for attendees of their weekly English classes. 
• Visiting Angels South Middlesex: Organised a ‘Family Fun’ community health and wellbeing event with information on childhood immunisations. 

Sutton 

• Home-Start Sutton: Included talks and Q&A sessions about childhood immunisations in their weekly organisations and organised a Zoom meeting for volunteer training. 
• St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church: Organised an awareness session about childhood vaccinations after church services. 
• Community Action Sutton: Organised the 2024 Benhill Community Fun Day with a focus on health and vaccinations. 
• Riverside Community Association Limited: Offered information on childhood immunisations during their weekly Stay and Play and Wellbeing sessions. 
• St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church: Hosted two events to promote childhood immunisations, including a BBQ and a Picnic in the Park. 

Wandsworth 

• Women of Wandsworth: Discussed childhood immunisations during weekly karate classes and at their monthly Parent Forum. 
• Falcon Estate Residents Association: Hosted a community event on the Falcon Estate to discuss childhood immunisations. 
• Community Mobile Spa: Held a coffee morning to discuss immunisations with local families. 
• Send In Mind: Included a session on childhood immunisations at their summer workshops for families with neurodivergent children. 
• Mother and Child Welfare Organisation: Hosted a coffee morning with discussions on childhood immunisations and supportive activities. 
• SEN Unity CIC: Engaged the community through interactive activities at school fairs and sports sessions, with a focus on immunisation education. 

Who we reached:

The childhood immunisation grant fund engaged with a wide range of communities across South West London including the following:

• People from Black Heritage, including Black African (including Sudanese and Somali), Black Caribbean, and Black British.
• People from White Heritage, including White British, Italian, Turkish, Polish, European (mixed), and other Eastern and Western European.
• People from mixed heritages
• People from Asian Heritage including Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan Tamil, Sri Lankan Sinhalese, Anglo-Indian, Mauritian, Korean, Filipino and Chinese
• People from Middle Eastern or Northern African heritage: Arab, Kurdish and Yemeni.

We provided information in 20 unique languages, including English and Polish as the most common, and then Urdu, Arabic, Tamil, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Turkish, Romanian, Bengali, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Farsi, Ukrainian, Italian, Lithuanian, Igbo, and Albanian.

What did people say they would do because of the events:

• Parents who hadn’t already had their children vaccinated said they would book in their MMR vaccination or speak to their GP or health visitor for more information.
• Those who had already vaccinated their children felt the events helped them stay on track of which immunisations were needed and when.
• A number of attendees expressed that they would talk to a health and care professional to understand more about childhood immunisations
• Many felt informed and confident enough to discuss childhood immunisations with friends and family, strengthening knowledge within their communities.
• Across the sessions, participants felt more reassured and informed, with one noting they felt comfortable now to book in their child’s vaccination after their child turns 3.5 years old.
• People valued having a clinician available to address questions directly.

How did organisations share information:

Organisations used a variety of methods to share messaging about childhood immunisations, including:

• Distributing trusted NHS information and leaflets at their events
• Having 1:1 conversations – many participants engaged in individual discussions with either a NHS Engagement Manager, Clinician or their peers.
• Group discussions – which provided an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and understand other people’s opinions. 
• Invited guest speakers, including local GPs, Clinicians to address concerns around immunisations and to help debunk any myths.

What we heard from local people and communities

Sharing awareness

• Building confidence: Attendees felt more confident sharing what they learned with friends and family, helping to build knowledge and trust within the community.

Concerns around immunisations

• Being transparent: Parents stressed the importance of providing clear information about vaccine ingredients, as many parents wish to know what is being given to their children.
• Cultural sensitivities: Some parents said they didn’t know enough about what vaccines contain. For example, one parent gave permission for the nasal spray vaccine at school but later found out it had gelatine, which went against her religious beliefs. This shows the importance of clear and culturally sensitive information. Another parent asked if her child could have the flu vaccine as an injection instead of the nasal spray for similar reasons.

Information:

• Providing alternative options: Parents want clearer information about the differences between vaccine types, like the MMR nasal spray versus the injection, including any potential side effects.
• Clear and accessible information: Attendees requested easier-to-understand resources, including translated materials and detailed leaflets on vaccination schedules and ingredients. One parent strongly voiced the need for transparency, stating, “Don’t parents want to know what they’re giving to children?!”

Barriers to vaccinations

• Perceptions of vaccine safety: Some people in the Somali community shared concerns about vaccines being linked to autism. This shows how cultural beliefs, and misinformation can affect trust in vaccine safety.
• Equitable access: Some parents raised concerns about whether Black children might receive different vaccinations, including fears about experimentation. They highlighted the need for fair and equal access to healthcare for everyone.
• Concerns about vaccinations: Some parents said hearing a lot about “vaccine hesitancy” made them feel more worried. This shows the need for clear and simple information to address their concerns and build trust.
• Access to medical records: Some parents faced challenges transferring vaccination records from other countries, which can hinder timely vaccinations and health checks. Experiences were shared about difficulties accessing previous immunisation records, particularly for refugees and asylum seekers.
• Barriers for new arrivals: Individuals who recently moved to the UK, including refugees and asylum seekers living in temporary accommodation, struggle to register with GPs, complicating access to vaccinations for their children.
• Language barriers: Language barriers make it hard for some people to talk to GP practices, making them nervous about booking vaccination appointments or discussing health issues. Many said they rely on family members for help with healthcare.

Misinformation and rumours

• Mistrust linked to autism concerns: Some parents shared concerns about vaccines, especially the MMR vaccine, because of worries about a possible link to autism. One mother said her child showed signs of autism after having the MMR vaccine. Although professionals reassured her, she stayed cautious but was still open to future vaccinations if needed.

Other feedback:

• Postnatal and developmental support: Parents emphasised the importance of increased postnatal support from GPs, including more frequent screenings and guidance on childhood development, milestones, and vaccinations.

• NHS111: Some people gave positive feedback about NHS 111, saying it was helpful in getting urgent appointments. However, there were concerns that GP practices don’t offer enough face-to-face appointments, especially for patients with complex medical histories, leaving some feeling unheard.
• NHS App: One person said they had trouble using the NHS App because of language barriers and noted there weren’t other easy ways to book appointments, making it harder to access healthcare.
• Mental health service access: Concerns about access to mental health services for both parents and children was raised, particularly when new to the United Kingdom, with English being a second or third language. Some participants felt unheard by GPs and expressed frustration over slow responses from NHS services.

Overall recommendations:

• Simple and clear information: Make it easy for parents to understand vaccines, including schedules, ingredients, and side effects. Provide this information in different languages and in a way that respects cultural needs.
• Addressing vaccine worries: Work with trusted community leaders to share clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive facts about vaccines, like the MMR vaccine.
• Alternative options: Let parents know about alternatives, like injectable vaccines without gelatin, to meet cultural or religious needs.
• Helping new families: GPs should support families who are new to the area by helping them register, transfer medical records, and get their children vaccinated, especially if they are in temporary housing.
• Equitable access: Provide language support, like interpreters, and make sure there are enough face-to-face appointments for people with complex health needs. Improve digital tools like the NHS App to make them easier for everyone to use by building in translation services.

What worked well

1. Having fun activities for children and their families: Running activities specifically for children and young people brought families together and helped increase attendance. This created an opportunity to speak with parents while their children were engaged at the activities providing the opportunity to have conversations and share trusted information.
2. Clear and accessible information: The materials which included posters, cards and leaflets with images of people from our diverse communities were well-received in the community. Translated materials also arrived on time, ensuring more people could access the information they provided. The simple, easy-to-understand leaflets allowed parents to quickly understand the information they needed.  Pre-event calls with organisers helped everyone prepare and informed to share key messages at the events.
3. Trusted NHS Staff: NHS representatives, including paediatricians attended events, made a big difference, as parents received expert answers to their questions, which helped build trust. One-on-one chats or small group discussions also allowed parents to ask questions in a more informal and comfortable setting.
4. Community outreach and social media: Promoting the event through WhatsApp organisations, Instagram, and local childcare providers helped attract more families. Partnering with local activity organisations and community organisations also played a key role in promoting the events and encouraging more people from the local area to attend.

What could we do differently next time?

1. Scheduling: Difficultly in choosing dates for events as the funding was during the summer holidays. Suggestion that hosting events during school terms rather than during holidays, could increase participation and attendance.
2. Planning: A longer notice period for the grants to be advertised, applied for and funded, to allow people to plan to apply.
3. Content and materials: Need for a concise one-page handout, summarising the main points to make it easier for parents to understand and take home. Some materials were not received on time.
4. Payments: Ensuring timely payments would help organisations plan their events in advance.
5. Demographic monitoring: Organisations recognised demographic monitoring is important but would like to find innovative ways to make data collection easier.

Summary

The Childhood Immunisation Grant Fund supported community-led activities to raise awareness and build trust in childhood vaccinations in South West London.

Feedback showed that simple, clear, and culturally sensitive information was especially helpful for our range of communities with different language or literacy needs.

Local events helped ease worries or concerns, clear up misunderstandings, and support parents in making informed decisions in supportive environments.

In the future, there’s a chance to build on this success by improving communication about vaccine ingredients, offering more language and digital support, and addressing specific concerns, especially about the MMR vaccine.

Croydon

Between July and September, 11 organisations in Croydon ran activities to raise awareness about childhood immunisations, including MMR, whooping cough, and flu, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Grant Programme. These events reached over 600 people, with more than half having caring responsibilities for children under 5. The activities aimed to provide information about childhood immunisations to parents, carers, pregnant women, and grandparents from diverse backgrounds.

Information was shared in several languages (English, French, Turkish, Ukrainian, Tamil, Italian, Urdu, and Polish) through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and leaflets. Health professionals were also involved in discussions to help people make informed choices.

10 out of the 11 organisations had previously worked with the NHS on the Winter Engagement Fund.

The events took place in New Addington, Waddon, Selhurst, Thornton Heath, Shirley, Broad Green, Fairfield, and Ashburton.

Activities Included:

• Inspire New Creative Performing Arts: Hosted a community conversation workshop for parents with young children, combining games and discussions about immunisations. 
• Empowering Tamil Families: Talks about childhood immunisations in Tamil, providing leaflets (English and Tamil) and contact numbers for GPs. 
• Addiscombe Boys and Girls Club: Organised peer-to-peer talk organisations to discuss child immunisations and provide factual information. 
• Aim High Dance Academy: Ran a 4-week carer and toddler dance course with discussions on childhood immunisations and other health topics. 
• Knowledge and Practice: Hosted a parent/children play day focused on cooking healthy meals and discussing vaccinations. 
• The Family Centre Fieldway: Organised a family fun day with activities and information stalls about the childhood immunisation campaign. 
• Babyzone Croydon: Ran a Summer Wellbeing Event with vaccination advice and support from local healthcare professionals. 
• Ukrainian Community Centre: Hosted events for Ukrainian refugee families to provide information about NHS services and immunisations. 
• Floating Counselling Community: Used their Summer Holiday Club to educate parents about immunisations through flyers and sessions with NHS professionals. 
• Creative Croydon CIC: Held a late summer nature event with opportunities to discuss vaccinations and guide parents on booking them. 
• Mother of Nations: Incorporated vaccination information into weekly online parenting training and coaching run with Floating Counselling Community in Croydon. 

Who attended:

Events had a diverse turnout, reflecting a wide mix ethnicities, languages and cultures.  

People identified as:

• White British, White Irish, White Scottish, White Welsh, White Australian/New Zealander, White Polish, White Italian, White Eastern European, White Western European, White European Mixed.
• Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan Tamil, Sri Lankan Sinhalese, Anglo-Indian, Mauritian.
• Black British, Black Nigerian, Black Ghanaian, Black Congolese, Black Caribbean, Black Sierra Leonean, Black Somali, Black Sudanese, Black Angolan, Black African and White, Black Caribbean and White.
• Kurdish, Arab, Egyptian, Iranian, Iraqi, Lebanese, Libyan, Moroccan.
• Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Thai, Malay.
• Latin/South/Central American, Polynesian.

How did organisations share information

All organisations shared information through one-on-one conversations, group discussions, and leaflets given to attendees. Two events also invited GPs and guest speakers to help build trust within the community. This approach made it easier for people to discuss immunisations and feel comfortable asking questions. The combination of direct conversations, leaflets, and input from health professionals helped raise awareness about childhood immunisations. By engaging local people and providing access to trusted resources, these events contributed to increasing awareness of children’s immunisations and supported attendees in making informed decisions about their children’s health. The leaflets included information on whooping cough, MMR, and childhood flu.

What did attendees say they would do, after the event?

• Many said they would book the MMR vaccination for their child.
• Attendees felt more informed about childhood immunisations, with clearer understanding from discussions and clinician support.
• Some attendees planned to talk to health or care professionals to further discuss childhood immunisations.
• Many were motivated to share information with friends and family, helping to spread awareness in their communities.
• Several felt reassured by having materials in their language, such as Tamil, and expressed interest in having additional resources in French.
• Some realised they were unsure of the specific vaccinations their child needed, prompting them to seek further guidance.

What did people value about the events?

• Translated materials: Providing leaflets in multiple languages, such as Tamil and Ukrainian, was especially appreciated.
  • “It’s so nice to have information in Ukrainian; it was easy to understand and discuss after reading it in our language about immunisations.”
• Welcoming environment: The relaxed setting, complimented with children’s activities, allowed parents to engage openly about health topics whilst their children could play.
• Accessible and informative: Attendees valued clear, professional information and the presence of clinicians to answer specific questions, which helped address any concerns and reassure parents.
• Clear information: Parents found the detailed discussions helpful, especially about specific vaccines, live versus non-live vaccines, and managing post-vaccine symptoms.
  • “I found it so useful to be able to check my child’s immunisation record with the NHS team in Babyzone. It’s something I would never have got round to if it wasn’t available here when we come to play.”
• Opportunities for engagement: Attendees enjoyed the chance to talk directly to professionals and other parents, making it easier to share concerns and experiences.
  • “I feel like a lot of myths were dispelled. I love hearing from professionals when sometimes all year I hear is just rumours.”

Key feedback

Concerns about vaccinations

• Some parents had questions around vaccine safety, particularly around the ingredients and side effects.
  • “There’s a rise in children with autism. I don’t trust what the government says, so how do I know the jab won’t make my child ill?”
• Parents wanted more information about the ingredients – including whether they contained animal products.
• Some parents felt that there was a lot of fake news out there, particularly around MMR and autism.
• Some parents felt they did not trust the government communications, particularly around vaccination safety.

Vaccination Information:

• Some parents were unaware of the vaccination timelines, they expressed uncertainty about when vaccines are due and which ones their children still need.
  • “I would appreciate a schedule or reminders about which vaccines are due when. It’s overwhelming trying to keep track of them all.”
• Some parents felt bombarded with messages from their children’s school, and this could feel overwhelming.
• It was raised that parents with children with long term conditions such as sickle cell disease, need further information around vaccinations and whether their child needs additional protection.

Increased confidence:

• Several attendees reported feeling more empowered to make informed choices about their children’s health after speaking directly to health care professionals at the events.

Communication barriers:

• For many, language barriers created significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly where translation services are either unavailable or not widely promoted. Attendees appreciated receiving information in their language, but there is a need for greater awareness of available language support services, especially to help those with limited English skills.

NHS Services:

• Many parents expressed frustration with the difficulty of accessing GP appointments and the limited availability of face-to-face consultations. Parents from marginalised backgrounds or those with language barriers reported feeling particularly disadvantaged in securing a GP appointment.
• Some parents expressed a desire for more support and guidance in the postnatal period and during the early years of their child’s development. Requests included check-ins on both physical and mental health, milestone guidance, and practical advice on development and vaccination schedules, indicating a gap in accessible early-years healthcare services.

Cost of Living

• Rising costs of essentials, such as baby formula, and questions about whether certain vaccines (e.g., chickenpox) are covered by the NHS, highlighted the financial pressures facing families.

Feedback from organisations in Croydon shows that people need clear, easy-to-understand information about vaccinations and practical support to help them access health and social care. This is especially important for those who don’t speak English as their first language.

Kingston

Between July and September, three organisations in Kingston ran activities to raise awareness about childhood immunisations, including MMR, whooping cough, and flu, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Grant Programme. These events reached over 200 people, many of whom had caring responsibilities for children under 5. The activities aimed to provide information about childhood immunisations to parents, carers, pregnant women, and grandparents from diverse backgrounds.

Information was shared in several languages (English, Polish, Russian, Korean, Turkish, Arabic, Tamil, and Spanish) through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and leaflets. Health professionals, including the vaccination team, attended the events to help share information and support parents and carers in making informed choices.

Two of the organisations funded had previously worked with the NHS on the Winter Engagement Fund. The events took place in New Malden, Norbiton (Cambridge Road Estate), and Kingston Town Centre.

Organisations we funded:

• Korean Culture and Arts UK CIC: Ran a summer nursery group play session for mothers to discuss vaccinations. 
• RBKares: Hosted a children-focused wellbeing event featuring activities and support from the SWL Roving Immunisation Team. 
• KingsGate Church/Kingston Women’s Hub: Included the vaccination campaign into their weekly parent/carer toddler stay-and-play group. 

Who did we reach?

Participants identified as:

• Korean, Black African, Black British, Black Caribbean, Black Somali, Black Sudanese, Iranian, Iraqi, Kurdish, Latin/South/Central American, Afghan, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan Tamil, White British, White European Mixed, White Polish and White Other Eastern European.
• Languages: Leaflets were provided in English, Polish, Russian, Korean, Turkish, Arabic, Tamil and Spanish.

How did organisations share information:

All organisations shared information through one-on-one conversations, group discussions, and leaflets given to attendees. One organisation also invited the roving team and the oral health team to help build trust within the community. This approach made it easier for people to discuss immunisations and feel comfortable asking questions.

The combination of direct conversations, leaflets, and input from health professionals helped raise awareness about childhood immunisations and children’s dental health. By engaging local people and providing access to trusted resources, these events contributed to increasing awareness of childhood immunisations and supported attendees in making informed decisions about their children’s health.

The leaflets included information on whooping cough, MMR, and childhood flu.

What did attendees say they would do, after the event

• Many attendees reported that they would talk to a health or care professional about childhood immunisations, following the information provided.
• Some parents expressed that they would book an appointment for their child to receive the MMR vaccination.
• A significant number of attendees said that they felt more informed about childhood immunisations.
• Feedback showed that most children had already started their immunisations, but attendees mentioned they would talk about childhood immunisations with friends and family, helping to spread the word and encourage others to make informed choices

What did people like about the events

• Parents liked that their event included a “fun” area next to the immunisation and health teams, as this attracted more children and parents. Parents appreciated that the oral health team and NHS roving vaccination team attended their events.
• Having clear signposting the vaccination team, this helped people find information and support.
• Having a relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere which helped parents and families to relax. This helped people comfortably receive and share information, creating a more open and welcoming space.

Key feedback:

MMR Vaccination:

• Some parents felt worried about the side effects of the MMR vaccination, and the number of vaccinations given to children at once. Parents did however, report feeling more comfortable after talking to a clinician at the event about the ingredients and the timeline for children’s immunisations.
• One person said that they had a child with autism, and she was scared about giving her child the MMR as she had read things online. She said she spoke to the clinician at the event, who reassured her.

Mental Health Support:

• One organisation regularly surveys their attendance. Between 20-35% of respondents reported lower mood than usual, with common concerns around depression, the cost of living, and asylum status. Many are also worried about accessing children’s mental health services due to long waiting times.

Merton

Between July and September, six organisations in Merton ran activities to raise awareness about childhood immunisations, including MMR, whooping cough, and flu, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Grant Programme. These events reached 190 people, with the majority having caring responsibilities for children under 5. The activities aimed to provide information about childhood immunisations to parents, carers, pregnant women, and grandparents from diverse backgrounds.

Information was shared in several languages (Polish, Urdu, Romanian, and English) through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and leaflets. Health professionals, including the vaccination team, attended the events to help share information and support parents and carers in making informed choices.

Four out of the six organisations involved had previously worked with the NHS on the Winter Engagement Fund. Events were held across different wards in Merton, including two in East Merton (Cricket Green and Lavender Fields) and in Wimbledon.

Activities included:

• Jigsaw4u (Wilson Wellbeing Centre): Ran a summer programme with classes and discussions on childhood immunisations. 
• Five ASide Theatre: Dedicated a storytelling session to health, fitness, and vaccinations for families. 
• North East Mitcham Community Association: Replaced a parent and toddler group session with an information session on health and immunisations. 
• Togetherness Community Centre: Hosted a day of activities including presentations and Q&A sessions on childhood immunisations. 
• Inner Strength Network: Held an afternoon tea at a local refuge to discuss immunisations in a supportive environment. – this is confirmed. 

Who did we reach?

• People identified: Black British, Indian, Sri Lankan Tamil, Asian and White, White British, White-Polish, and others.
• Languages: Polish, Urdu, Romanian, and English

How did organisations share information:

All organisations shared information through one-on-one conversations, group discussions, and leaflets given to attendees. Events also featured GPs and guest speakers, helping to build trust within the community. This approach made it easier for people to discuss immunisations and feel comfortable asking questions. The combination of direct conversations, leaflets, and input from health professionals helped raise awareness about childhood immunisations. By engaging local people and providing access to trusted resources, these events increased awareness of children’s immunisations and supported attendees in making informed decisions about their children’s health. The leaflets included information on whooping cough, MMR, and childhood flu.

What did attendees say they would do, after the event

• Many attendees reported that they would talk to a health or care professional about childhood immunisations, following the information provided.
• Some parents expressed that they would book an appointment for their child to receive the MMR vaccination.
• A significant number of attendees said that they felt more informed about childhood immunisation.
• Feedback showed that most children had already started their immunisations, but attendees mentioned they would talk about childhood immunisations with friends and family, helping to spread the word and encourage others to make informed choices

What did people like about the events:

• Many parents found the sessions helpful and informative, with some expressing that the gentle approach and clear information encouraged them to listen, take leaflets, and consider vaccination options. One participant stated, “I feel like I know where to go to get the information I need to make an informed decision for my child’s best interests”
• Attendees enjoyed the community-focused aspect of the events, which helped build connections. A participant noted, “The sessions were enjoyable. I learned more about the members of my group than I’d ever known in the years I’ve attended this group.”

Key feedback:

Childhood immunisations and awareness:

• New parents appreciated the clarity of the vaccination timeline cards and suggested that these cards are distributed by the NHS at the six-week check up to help parents know what to expect.
• Many parents still maintained contact with Child Health Visitors and were aware of available services.
• There was also a call for more support in schools to protect children whose parents choose not to vaccinate.
  • One parent asked, “How are they going to protect children in schools and nurseries whose parents have chosen not to have them immunised?”

Plans to vaccinate and dealing with worries

• The events led some parents to decide to book vaccination appointments. A parent from the Asian community shared, “I will now make an appointment to see my GP to do the MMR.” Another participant said, “I didn’t realise the risks of not being immunised, I will go to the DR next week.”
• Some parents reported feeling pressured by healthcare services regarding childhood vaccinations, which made them uncomfortable and hesitant to engage. They preferred having leaflets available for optional pickup and discussing vaccinations in informal group settings as these approaches felt less intrusive.
• Some attendees came with concerns about vaccine safety. A pregnant mother who had worries about side effects was reassured after speaking with NHS staff. Similarly, a new mother with a week-old baby expressed confidence in taking her child to be immunised, stating, “I have no worries about it.”
• There was also a desire for flexibility in vaccination schedules. One parent, concerned about the information circulating on the internet, said, “I plan to have my son immunised but may separate the injections. I will discuss this before he is injected.”
• People felt that social media often spreads misinformation and creates fear about vaccinations. They suggested that trusted influencers or health professionals should have a stronger online presence to share accurate and reliable information. One attendee asked, “There is a lot of scary information on the internet. Is there good information that supports what is being shared today?”

General feedback on health and care services:

• Some participants shared positive experiences with NHS services, particularly with the 111 service, which they found helpful for securing urgent appointments. They also appreciated the direct communication from immunisation services, such as text reminders.
• Some participants highlighted challenges, including delays in accessing dental services, difficulty reaching GP practices, and the inability to secure face-to-face GP appointments.
• There were reports of GPs not listening to patients’ concerns or taking symptoms seriously. “I do not feel GPs listen to us when we are complaining about how we are feeling right now.”
• Some attendees mentioned that transportation to events and healthcare facilities was a barrier for community members. Improved mobility support could help increase participation in future health-focused activities

Richmond

Between July and September, seven organisations in Wandsworth ran activities to raise awareness about childhood immunisations, including MMR, whooping cough, and flu, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Grant Programme. These events reached 257 people, with over 180 having caring responsibilities for children under 5. The activities aimed to provide information about childhood immunisations to parents, carers, pregnant women, and grandparents from diverse backgrounds.

Information was shared in multiple languages (English, Polish, Italian, Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, Albanian, and Urdu) through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and leaflets. Health professionals also attended the events to support people in making informed decisions.

Two of the three organisations involved had previously worked with the NHS on the Winter Engagement Fund. Events were held across different wards in Richmond, including Twickenham and Hampton.

Organisations we funded:

• Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow: Dedicated Family Group sessions to the childhood immunisations campaign and promoting it through newsletters and social media. 
• Richmond EAL Friendship Group: Hosted a special class on vaccinations for attendees of their weekly English classes. 
• Visiting Angels South Middlesex: Organised a ‘Family Fun’ community health and wellbeing event with information on childhood immunisations. 

Who Attended

Participants identified as: Afghan, Arabic, Black Somali, Chinese, Iranian, Filipino, Libyan, Korean, Japanese, White British, White Irish, White Eastern European and White Polish.

How did organisations share information:

All organisations shared information through one-on-one conversations, group discussions, and leaflets given to attendees. Organisations also invited the roving vaccination team and guest speakers to help build trust within the community. This approach made it easier for people to discuss immunisations and feel comfortable asking questions. The combination of direct conversations, leaflets, and input from health professionals helped raise awareness about the childhood immunisations. By engaging local people and providing access to trusted resources, these events contributed to increasing awareness of children’s immunisations and supported attendees in making informed decisions about their children’s health. The leaflets included information on whooping cough, MMR, and childhood flu.

What did attendees say they would do, after the event

• Many attendees reported that they would talk to a health or care professional about childhood immunisations, following the information provided.
• Many attendees felt more informed about childhood immunisations.
• A few people mentioned specific actions, including booking the MMR vaccination for their child or planning to vaccinate when their child reaches the appropriate age.
• Some attendees said they would talk to their friends and family about childhood immunisations, spreading awareness within the communities.

What did people like about the events:

• Attendees appreciated the discussion format, as it gave them the chance to express concerns, share their views, and receive information from an expert.
• Many valued the opportunity to have meaningful conversations, particularly with support from NHS Engagement Managers and clinicians.

Key feedback:

Communication:

• A parent had received a text message from their GP Practice to say their child had missed their immunisation, but they didn’t say which one. The parent felt worried as had previously received messages, but the red book said they were up to date. In this case, their child had missed their pre-school booster, so the parent welcomed the reminder.

Other services:

Support for mental health services:

• People wanted information about where they can access help for their mental health, particularly those who have English as a second or third language or new arrivals. Information should be available in translations, to help people who need them feel less isolated and informed about where they can go to get support.

More information:

• Parents wanted further information about to register with a GP if new to the U.K, how they can access a health visitor and information on nutrition.

Safety:

• People wanted further information about the cleanliness of blood tests. It was reported that in certain countries e.g. Hong Kong, Turkey and Russia – a clinician will use an antiseptic wipe before they take blood, and they do not do this in the UK.

Sutton

Between July and September, five organisations in Sutton ran activities to raise awareness about childhood immunisations, including MMR, whooping cough, and flu, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Grant Programme. These events reached over 2,500 people. The activities aimed to provide information about childhood immunisations to parents, carers, pregnant women, and grandparents from diverse backgrounds.

Information was shared in multiple languages (English, French, Polish, Portuguese, Igbo, Spanish, Lithuanian, and Tamil) through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and leaflets. Health professionals also participated to support attendees in making informed choices.

Three of the five organisations involved had previously worked with the NHS on the Winter Engagement Fund.

Events took place across various areas in Sutton, including Benhill Estate, Hackbridge, and Carshalton.

Organisations we funded:

• Home-Start Sutton: Included talks and Q&A sessions about childhood immunisations in their weekly organisations and organising a Zoom meeting for volunteer training. 
• St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church: Organised an awareness session about childhood vaccinations after church services. 
• Community Action Sutton: Organised the 2024 Benhill Community Fun Day with a focus on health and vaccinations. 
• Riverside Community Association Limited: Offered information on childhood immunisations during their weekly Stay and Play and Wellbeing sessions. 
• St Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church: Hosted two events to promote childhood immunisations, including a BBQ and a Picnic in the Park. 

Who Attended

Participants identified as:

• Black African, Black British, Black Nigerian, Black Sierra Leonean
• White British, White Irish, White Italian, White Polish, White European
• Asian and White, Black African and White, Black Caribbean and White
• Indian
• Chinese, Filipino

How did organisations share information:

All organisations shared information through one-on-one conversations, group discussions, and leaflets given to attendees. All organisations ensured that the immunisation leaflets were consistently available at their events and one organisation featured a presentation sharing the importance of immunisations which then was followed up with a second event, where attendees could ask questions.

What did attendees say they would do, after the event

• Many attendees reported that they would talk to a health or care professional about childhood immunisations, following the information provided.
• Many attendees felt more informed about childhood immunisations.
• A few people mentioned specific actions, including booking the MMR vaccination for their child or planning to vaccinate when their child reaches the appropriate age.
• Some attendees said they would talk to their friends and family about childhood immunisations, spreading awareness within the communities.

What did people like about the events:

• Attendees appreciated the easy availability of the information leaflets, which provided clear information on children’s immunisations.
• Participants valued having multiple languages.
• Participants also welcomed the opportunity to engage with the NHS.

Key feedback:

More information:

• Some parents felt unsure if their child had received all their vaccinations and wanted to check with their GP.

Vaccine content:

• Parents wanted further information about the content of the vaccines.

Safety:

• Some parents were worried about childhood vaccinations due to fears about certain immunisations failures. Parents expressed their doubts about contradictions on the MMR vaccine and asked for more information about why immunisations were needed.

Wandsworth

Between July and September, seven organisations in Wandsworth ran activities to raise awareness about childhood immunisations, including MMR, whooping cough, and flu, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Grant Programme. These events reached 226 people, with over 150 having caring responsibilities for children under 5. The activities aimed to provide information about childhood immunisations to parents, carers, pregnant women, and grandparents from diverse backgrounds.

Information was shared in multiple languages (English, Polish, Urdu, Romanian, Bengali, Arabic, and Portuguese) through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and leaflets. Health professionals also participated to help attendees make informed choices.

Six of the seven organisations involved had previously worked with the NHS on the Winter Engagement Fund. Events were held across various wards in Wandsworth, including Falconbrook, Wandsworth Town, Roehampton, Wandsworth Common, and Putney.

Organisations we funded:

• Women of Wandsworth: Discussed childhood immunisations during weekly karate classes and at their monthly Parent Forum. 
• Falcon Estate Residents Association: Hosted a community event on the Falcon Estate to discuss childhood immunisations. 
• Community Mobile Spa: Held a coffee morning to discuss immunisations with local families. 
• Send In Mind: Included a session on childhood immunisations at their summer workshops for families with neurodivergent children. 
• Mother and Child Welfare Organisation: Hosted a coffee morning with discussions on childhood immunisations and supportive activities. 

• SEN Unity CIC: Engaged the community through interactive activities at school fairs and sports sessions, with a focus on immunisation education. 
• Estate Arts – Engaged with the community through their immunisation champions, the team ran a health talk, followed by arts and crafts sessions.

Who Attended

Participants identified as:

• Black African, Black British, Black Sudanese, Black Somali, Black Caribbean
• White British, White Italian, White Kurdish, White Polish, White European (Mixed), Other Eastern and Western European
• Asian and White
• Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani
• Arab, Yemeni
• Kurdish, Turkish, Malian, Mongolian

How did organisations share information:

All organisations shared information through one-on-one conversations, group discussions, and leaflets provided to attendees. Two events also featured GPs and guest speakers, which helped build trust within the community. This approach made it easier for people to discuss immunisations and feel comfortable asking questions.

The combination of direct conversations, leaflets, and input from health professionals raised awareness about childhood immunisations. By engaging local people and providing access to trusted resources, these events increased awareness of children’s immunisations and supported attendees in making informed decisions about their children’s health. The leaflets included information on whooping cough, MMR, and childhood flu

What did attendees say they would do, after the event

• Many attendees reported that they would talk to a health or care professional about childhood immunisations, following the information provided.
• Many attendees felt more informed about childhood immunisations.
• A few people mentioned specific actions, including booking the MMR vaccination for their child or planning to vaccinate when their child reaches the appropriate age.
• Some attendees said they would talk to their friends and family about childhood immunisations, spreading awareness within the communities.

What did people like about the events:

• Attendees reported that they appreciated the discussion format, which provided an opportunity to express their concerns, share their views and receive information from an expert.
• People reported that they liked the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, especially with the support of NHS Engagement Managers and clinicians.

Key feedback:

Concerns about MMR and Autism:

• Some parents, particularly in the Somali community, were concerned that the MMR vaccine could cause autism. One parent asked, “Is MMR connected with Autism?”
• Some parents heard that vaccines might have negative effects, especially for Black individuals, which made them feel unsure about getting vaccinated.
• One mother said she didn’t notice signs of autism in her child until after the MMR vaccine, which made her worry it was the cause. After being reassured that there’s no proven link, she said she would keep vaccinating her child if needed.
• A parent felt that healthcare professionals should be more understanding of parents’ concerns about autism and vaccines.

Lack of GP support:

• Some parents expressed that healthcare providers, especially GPs, were not addressing their concerns adequately. For some, a dismissive approach from doctorsleft them more confused and unsure about whether to proceed with vaccinations.
  • “My GP’s dismissal of my concerns only made me more confused rather than reassured – as a result, I didn’t consent to the MMR vaccine.”

Having the right information:

• Many parents reported feeling more informed about childhood immunisations after attending their community event, which helped them feel more confident in making healthcare decisions.
  • “We want our children to be up to date with all their vaccinations, so it was helpful to be able to chat today about childhood imms to check that they are fully covered.”
• The format of some of the events, allowed for open discussions where parents were able to air concerns, exchange views and gain insights from a health care professional. This balanced approach was appreciated, with both sides – for and against vaccinations – having a chance to voice their opinions.

Not having the right information

• Some parents were unaware that the childhood flu nasal spray contained gelatine, which was important information for those with dietary or religious concerns. Attendees felt schools should communicate this more transparently.
  • “Why did my child’s school not tell me that the flu nasal spray immunisation had gelatine in it? It is important information to know as I would have made another decision.”

Support for Children with Special Education Needs and Disabilities

• Several parents voiced that while vaccination information is helpful, additional support is needed for children with autism and other developmental needs.
  • “Thank you so much, this was a very good meeting… it is not only about vaccines, I need extra support for my children, please help me. I will talk to my GP about vaccines.”
• One mother described her struggle with her child’s school, where her child’s additional needs were not understood, causing stress and headaches. She was advised to speak to her GP for additional support.
  • “These events are invaluable for our child to socialise with other children with SEND. This is something she wouldn’t usually get the opportunity to do.”
• Parents emphasised a need for broader support services, such as assistance with special educational needs, pregnancy care, and breastfeeding support, beyond just vaccination information.

The benefits of community events and having a supportive environment

• One parent shared how, after her husband left, she was now solely responsible for her child’s vaccinations and felt more informed about what to do because of the event.
  • “Before this meeting I didn’t understand about vaccines because my husband was taking responsibility, but now he has left, I am responsible and now I know what to do.”

Recommendations

Addressing concerns: Concerns about the MMR vaccination and autism were prevalent amongst the Somali and Black heritage and global majority communities. There is a need for culturally sensitive information and training for healthcare professionals. Addressing these concerns with empathy and understanding is crucial for building trust in the community.

Support Services – Develop additional resources for families of children with special educational needs that goes beyond immunisation information e.g. signposting to various services available in Wandsworth.  

The events supported raising awareness about childhood immunisations with communities in Wandsworth, particularly those who are caring for young children. There are still gaps in access to information and support, particularly for global majority communities and for families with children who have special education needs and disabilities.