Community Links Newsletter

 

Welcome to the Summer Edition of Wansbeck Community Links Newsletter

In this edition, you can meet our two new team members and find out our team's plans for the Summer.

Also in this edition:

  • Bitesize case studies
  • Highlight on: Guidepost Medical Group and what's on in the area.
  • Our activities/groups and events

Welcome to our new Team Members

Jeff Watson

Jeff has worked with children, young people, homeless and housing, as well as within mental health.

Jeff will specialise in working with young people of the local area, supporting all to gain fulfilled lives with increased wellbeing, resilience, purpose, and potential.

Outside of work, Jeff spends time outdoors with family, friends, and his dog. Loves coastal walks and all green spaces. Jeff also enjoys Hot Pod Yoga, running, live music, reading, art, film, and theatre.

Justine Bowey

Justine is very excited about her new role and loves helping to make a positive change in people's lives but also in the community.

Over the last 11 years Justine has worked across Northumberland helping people get happier and healthier.

In her free time, she enjoys going for walks around Northumberland, also spending time in the garden and socializing with friends and family.

A tiny reminder of who we are and what we do

We are employed by Cygnus support, a well-known counselling charity who formed a partnership with Wansbeck Primary Care Network to provide the patients of Seaton Park, Gables, Bedlingtonshire & Guidepost surgeries, with a full Social Prescribing Link Worker Service.

Link workers offer people time to focus on what's important to them and what difficulties they may have that are causing then distress. Then we do as it says on the tin! link people into services and groups in their community for the practical, social, and emotional support they need, to help them feel better.

We also work closely with our wider Wansbeck Community, to bring people together, build up resources and help fill gaps in provision. Strengthening our community assets and bringing pride back into our local area.

Get in touch

If you are a patient of either, Bedlingtonshire, Gables, Guidepost or Seaton Park GP surgeries, and feel you would benefit from our Community Link service, you can ask your surgery Reception staff or Healthcare professional for a Community Link Worker referral. The Team will then be in touch with you within a couple of weeks of receiving your referral.

Bitesize Case Studies

"I couldn't thank you enough, I really enjoyed the coffee morning and will be visiting Hirst welfare more often, you made me feel very welcome" - This 71 year old gentleman was referred to the CLW team from our Health and Wellbeing coach as he was ready to engage with others and was looking for ideas around social activity. As he was still anxious about interacting socially, his CLW introduced him to activities on his doorstep within Hirst Welfare, including our coffee morning and the Talking Marras group, which he plans to join.

"You've shown me real kindness, listening to all my worries, it's been lovely talking to you. Gives me faith that good people still exist" - This 87-year-old lady was referred to the CLW from the practice nurse as reported she was feeling very lonely and isolated. Also having family issues which were adding to her low mood. Her CLW listened to her and linked her in with others who attended local groups, as well as offering a listening ear.

"Thank you for being so kind and helpful, you’ve helped me so much. I know where to go if I need help again and then I won't panic!" - This 27-year-old young man with autism can get overwhelmed when faced with paperwork and begins to panic. His CLW helped to reassure him, referred him into CAB, Disability North and requested a GP supporting letter on his behalf to help him with benefit forms. Keeping in touch with him throughout to ensure the best outcome.

Highlight on: Guidepost

Choppington is the postal town of Guidepost and Stakeford. The name Choppington has existed since the Anglo-Saxon times, which makes it over 1500 years old! Guidepost was historically situated on a crossroads where there was once a signpost directing travellers – hence the name Guidepost.

Guidepost Medical Group moved into the building in 1978.

Christine Eastlake is our Community Link Worker who is based in the surgery on a Monday and Thursday and runs the Walk and Talk on a Wednesday afternoon.

Guidepost Medical PPG (Patient Participation Group)

Are looking for new members.

Objectives of being a member of the PPG:

  • Be a critical friend to the practice, raising relevant issues and facilitating change.
  • Advise the practice on the patient perspective and provide insight into the quality of services and systems.
  • Encourage patients to take greater responsibility for their own health.
  • Assist with health promotion events.

If you would like to be more involved in the practice and how it delivers its services, please come and let us know in one of the following ways: -

  • Give your name to the receptionist on duty
  • Come to our regular practice coffee morning
  • Join us on our Wednesday walking group

Guidepost Surgery Walk and Talk Group

Everyone is welcome at our friendly Walk n Talk group. We meet every Wednesday, outside the main entrance to the surgery at 1.30 for a leisurely walk around Choppington Woods, taking in the wildlife and beautiful scenery then back to the surgery for refreshments. Happy to walk in all weathers so appropriate footwear/rain mac/sunscreen is recommended. Suitable for all abilities.

Guidepost Surgery Coffee Morning

An opportunity to meet your Community Link Worker Christine, find out more about the PPG - Patients Participation Group as well as meet others for a cuppa and a chat. Tabletop activities too! Runs on the 2nd Monday of the month between 10.30am – 12.00pm. Next one is Monday 14th August.

Also in the area:

Choppington Welfare Fernlea Drive Scotland Gate offers a wide range of activities: community choir, carpet bowls, sequence dance, Pilates and snooker club. Call 01670 822028 for further information.

Stakeford and Boumersund Sports and Social Welfare Centre East View Stakeford offer crafting group, indoor bowls, snooker, ballroom dancing, sugar craft, male voice choir, country and western nights, toddler group and lots more. Contact 01670 858664 for further information.

Choppington Disability Group run a regular meeting the first Friday of the month 10am at the Social Welfare. Everyone welcome to join for a coffee and chat, often with guest speakers. 

Guidepost Over 60s Club meet on Thursday afternoons at Guidepost Social Club 1.00-3.00pm. It’s a really friendly group who offer a full range of social activities, trips and tasty treats as well as bingo and raffles. Please contact Denise on 07599814393 to book a place.

Guidepost and Sheepwash Women's Institute - Whether you are a lady in your 20's or 90's there's something for everyone at the WI. Each month you can learn something new from cooking, local history to wreath making. The WI plays an inclusive, unique role in providing women with educational opportunities, build new skills, meet friends, and have fun. New members welcome. Taster sessions free then yearly subscription which includes outings and visits. Guidepost and Sheepwash WI meets 3rd Thursday monthly (not in August) at The Church of the Holy Family Stakeford (next to The Cherry Tree) 1.00-3.00pm pop along.

Published: Aug 2, 2023