British Association for Community Child Health

The British Association for Community Child Health (BACCH) is a professional membership organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of children and their families within community settings. It is a leading body for doctors and other professionals working in the field of community child health in the UK.

Background and Purpose

BACCH is the largest specialty group within the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), playing a pivotal role in the development and enhancement of community child health services. The organization focuses on delivering family-centered care, utilizing a life course approach to promote health. This is achieved through service development based on care pathways and team collaboration, emphasizing continuous quality improvement in both experience and outcomes.

Activities and Initiatives

BACCH engages in various activities aimed at improving community child health services. These include:

• Advocacy: BACCH advocates for services that are tailored to meet the diverse needs of children and families across different communities.
• Education and Training: The organization provides educational resources and events for healthcare professionals to enhance skills and knowledge in areas such as palliative care and child protection.
• Networking: It collaborates with other healthcare professionals, agencies, and organizations to ensure comprehensive support systems for families.
• Research and Strategy: BACCH contributes to the development of research strategies and policies that guide community child health services.

Publications and Resources

BACCH has an official journal, Child: Care, Health and Development, which serves as a platform for publishing research, best practices, and insights in community child health. The organization also issues newsletters and reports aimed at keeping members informed about recent developments and trends in the field.

History

BACCH evolved from the Community Paediatric Group (CPG), reflecting the growing importance of community-based health services for children. Over time, it has expanded its scope to include various subspecialties such as public health, disability, and child mental health, adapting to the changing needs in childhood health.

Membership and Events

BACCH offers membership opportunities for healthcare professionals working in community child health, providing access to resources, events, and networking opportunities. The organization hosts conferences, workshops, and training sessions to support its members in delivering high-quality care.

Charity Status

BACCH is registered as a charity (number 1129758), reflecting its commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families in the UK.

[1] https://www.bacch.org.uk [2] https://www.youtube.com/@British-assoc-CCH [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4043354/contact-information [4] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/page/journal/13652214/homepage/society.html [5] https://hubble-live-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/bacch/redactor2_assets/files/9/History_of_BACCH.pdf