Following the publication of the draft Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) in November 2016, Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria has worked with members of the public and health and care staff from across the region to help make the information about the challenges we face as easy to understand as possible.

Armed with sticky notes, more than a dozen different groups in different areas across Lancashire and South Cumbria have worked through the document, page by page, asking questions and making comments and suggestions to help make sure it is clear and coherent.

Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria worked with local Healthwatch to establish these focus groups and independent facilitators to ensure people's views

All of this work has led to the document being awarded a Crystal Mark by the Plain English Campaign.

To attain this mark, the Plain English Campaign say that documents have to be as clear as possible.

Things they look for include:

• the use of ‘everyday’ English;
• consistent and correct use of punctuation and grammar;
• explanations of technical terms; and
• clear, helpful headings, which stand out from the text

Printed copies of this document are being used to support health and care staff, clinicians, Councillors, community organisations and patient voice groups to discuss the challenges and describe how organisations are working together with members of the public.