Health Connections Mendip recently celebrated its first year in Frome, during which more than 50 local volunteers have started helping to improve the health of their community.
The Frome operation of Health Connections Mendip is based at the Frome Medical Centre and works closely with local communities and the voluntary sector.
‘Health connectors’ work one to one with GPs’ patients within Mendip. As well as listening to patients’ health stories and putting them in touch with local services, the connectors can also assist with setting health-related goals.
Frome Medical Practice’s Dr Helen Kingston said, “The Health Connections team plays an integral part in contributing to the resilience and wellbeing of our patients, especially those with long term health conditions.
“They have enabled the development of support networks beyond the traditional medical models, allowing those with substantial health challenges in their life to support one another and be able to experience the solidarity and companionship that comes with that support.
“What they have managed to achieve in just the one year has been truly impressive.”
In addition to working individually with patients, Health Connections Mendip has been instrumental in supporting patients to set up many community groups, such as MS Exercise Classes, Macular Degeneration (sight loss), Peripheral Neuropathy, and COPD (which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis) support groups. They also run their own classes such as Pain Management and the very popular Talking Cafes.
Julie Carey-Downes, who is the organisation’s Projects and Community Health Connectors Lead explains a further key function of her organisation.
“We help train members of our community to inform friends, family, colleagues and neighbours on how to access the various support groups and services that can help make a big difference to their health and general lifestyle,” says Julie.
“In our first year we already have over 50 community connectors, from teenagers at Frome Community College to people in their 80s, giving support to over 400 people.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the groups or health connectors, or even becoming a community connector, should go to www.healthconnectionsmendip.org or call 01373 468368.
