Inspiring change together

Your stories

• Share OPAL (Older People Active Lives) on Facebook Share OPAL (Older People Active Lives) on Twitter Share OPAL (Older People Active Lives) on Linkedin Email OPAL (Older People Active Lives) link

  OPAL (Older People Active Lives)

  almost 2 years ago
  

  OPAL Services together provide many and various social connections for no, or at a minimum, cost and are proving to be a big help to older people and carers in the current economic climate.

  OPAL offers a whole range of support to older people and their carers living in rural parts of west Cheshire. Our services offer opportunities for people to socialise in settings that are local and accessible to them and are warm and inviting.

  We also support older people and carers in accessing the internet safely and thus potentially obtaining the most advantageous deals when making purchases online... Continue reading

  OPAL Services together provide many and various social connections for no, or at a minimum, cost and are proving to be a big help to older people and carers in the current economic climate.

  OPAL offers a whole range of support to older people and their carers living in rural parts of west Cheshire. Our services offer opportunities for people to socialise in settings that are local and accessible to them and are warm and inviting.

  We also support older people and carers in accessing the internet safely and thus potentially obtaining the most advantageous deals when making purchases online. Our services are either donation based or charge a very reasonable amount for the service on offer. Such services are subsidised heavily by us in order to keep the cost down. We also have a policy which enables us to take full account of, and to respond positively to, anyone unable to pay a charge for a service.

  For more information about OPAL’s services, or becoming a volunteer, please visit our web site www.opalservices.org.uk or email us at contactus@opalservices.org.uk.
  
  OPAL is a registered charity no.1143753
• Share Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack on Facebook Share Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack on Twitter Share Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack on Linkedin Email Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack link

  Hoole CE Primary School’s Uniform Union and Story Shack

  almost 2 years ago
  

  
  We set up the Uniform Union and Story Shack in September 2023 to make sure that all our pupils had the same access to uniform, and the opportunity to loan educational games and books to enjoy at home with their family.

  To begin with we purchased a cabin online, which was installed during the summer break by our site manager. This was the only financial outlay by the school as all items of clothing, books and games are donated. Plus, the Uniform Union and Story Shack are run by a dedicated team of parent volunteers.

  As well as providing access... Continue reading

  
  We set up the Uniform Union and Story Shack in September 2023 to make sure that all our pupils had the same access to uniform, and the opportunity to loan educational games and books to enjoy at home with their family.

  To begin with we purchased a cabin online, which was installed during the summer break by our site manager. This was the only financial outlay by the school as all items of clothing, books and games are donated. Plus, the Uniform Union and Story Shack are run by a dedicated team of parent volunteers.

  As well as providing access to good-quality, pre-loved uniform for our families, the Story Shack also encourages our children to read more and develop a love for reading. By recycling these items, we want our pupils to understand the environmental impact and that it’s better to reuse and repurpose something than throw it way, where it becomes landfill.

  Uniform Union
  When we started out, we already had a stock of pre-loved uniform which had been donated to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) as well as many items of unnamed lost property. We also asked parents and carers of pupils leaving in Year Six to donate their children’s uniform when they left to ensure that we had stock in all sizes, and to ensure that this was put to good use and not wasted once children had moved on.

  It is important to us that the uniform is displayed smartly. Pre-loved uniform is laundered and then hung in size order on quality hangers. The Uniform Union is well ordered and so user-friendly.

  Families using the Union may leave a donation if they wish to, but this is not mandatory. Families may help themselves to any items of pre-loved uniform or PE kit.
  
  The Union is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm and is well used by a huge cross-section of our school community.

  Story Shack
  The Story Shack contains lots of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as educational games and jigsaws. Families who loan items do not need to book them out or seek permission to take them. All that we ask is that items are returned to school with all the pieces included and in good condition, so that the item may be loaned by another family in the future.

  Families are encouraged to donate pre-loved games and books, which means that our Story Shack stock is continually refreshed. Books from the school library that are no longer suitable for the library but could still be of interest to children and their families are donated to the Story Shack.

  The Story Shack is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am - 3.30pm and all families are welcome, including those who access the nursery based on our school site.

  All resources available are suitable for children 3-11 years.

  Parent and carer comments

  “My child really enjoys having a new game or book to borrow. It also helps him to understand that it is good to donate stuff too for other people to enjoy. The Uniform Union is fantastic for saving money and waste.”

  “Uniform Union – Absolutely amazing idea. Saving a lot of money on uniforms and most importantly, recycling.”

  “Oh we absolutely love the Story Shack! We are there a minimum of two or three times a week!”

  Following the success of the Uniform Union and Story Shack, we have opened a third facility called the Community Cabin. This is a general clothing and footwear store which contains pre-loved, clean everyday clothing for children and adults. This is in its infancy at present, but we hope that it will be well used by our school community. We also plan to add a section in the Cabin containing tinned foods which families can help themselves to. Stock for the clothing and tinned food areas of the Community Cabin are sourced from donations from our school family.
  
  Headteacher Ros Flanders, said: “Establishing the Story Shack and the Uniform Union has been a great investment. We have seen the positive impact and effect that these facilities have had on our school community, who are committed to donating items and using the services so that they will remain sustainable into the future.”
• Share Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis on Facebook Share Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis on Twitter Share Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis on Linkedin Email Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis link

  Green Doctor - helping residents to stay warm and well, tackling energy bills during the cost of living crisis

  about 2 years ago
  

  Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice to help people take control of their bills, save energy in the home and access other services and initiatives available. We work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

  Our support is available to a wide range of people, many of whom are struggling for the first time so don’t be shy about reaching out for help. In the UK, changes to energy prices and ongoing financial pressures as a result of the cost of living crisis has left many people finding it... Continue reading

  Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice to help people take control of their bills, save energy in the home and access other services and initiatives available. We work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

  Our support is available to a wide range of people, many of whom are struggling for the first time so don’t be shy about reaching out for help. In the UK, changes to energy prices and ongoing financial pressures as a result of the cost of living crisis has left many people finding it hard to heat their homes. If you or someone you know are worried about energy and water bills, then we might be able to help.

  Some of the reasons people ask for help are:

  • struggling to pay energy bills
  • finding it hard to manage fuel and water debt
  • worrying about keeping warm or choosing between eating and heating
  • feeling that the home is cold, damp or draughty
  • Have a health condition affected by the cold such as respiratory problems and mental ill health.

  Our support includes the installation of small energy saving measures such as draughtproofing and radiator foils, help with boiler and heating controls, smart meters, water meters, fuel and water debt, registration on suppliers Priority Services Register, grants, behavioural change advice, referrals for free gas safety checks and financial assistance where available.

  The scheme is open to residents across Cheshire West and Chester with a focus on families and individuals who:

  • have a low household income
  • are living with debt
  • are aged over 65
  • are living with a health condition affected by the cold
  • are living with mental illness
  • are living with dementia
  • have a disability
  • are young people and families containing children under the age of 5
  • are pregnant
  • are in emergency accommodation
  • are living in poor housing conditions.

  To find out more about our service please visit www.groundwork.org.uk/greendoctor

  Email: greendoctor.CLM@groundwork.org.uk
  Phone: 0330 1740 863

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand on Facebook Share KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand on Twitter Share KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand on Linkedin Email KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand link

  KidsBank Chester – offering a helping hand

  about 2 years ago
  

  Back in 2018, Cathy Pettingale was watching a television interview of a young mother. The young mother talked about being forced to decide whether she should spend her remaining money on food so her children could eat, or heating so her children could keep warm. Overwhelmed with compassion, Cathy was compelled to do something to help families experiencing similar circumstances within her community – that’s when KidsBank Chester was formed, taking the first referral in May 2019.

  KidsBank offers support to families with children aged between 0-12 years. Support can be accessed through:
  
  Self-Referral – a family can self-refer... Continue reading

  Back in 2018, Cathy Pettingale was watching a television interview of a young mother. The young mother talked about being forced to decide whether she should spend her remaining money on food so her children could eat, or heating so her children could keep warm. Overwhelmed with compassion, Cathy was compelled to do something to help families experiencing similar circumstances within her community – that’s when KidsBank Chester was formed, taking the first referral in May 2019.

  KidsBank offers support to families with children aged between 0-12 years. Support can be accessed through:
  
  Self-Referral – a family can self-refer for clothing (including school uniform), toiletries and nappies by simply filling in a form on the KidsBank website.
  Refer Yourself – Kids Bank (kidsbankchester.com)

  
  Professional Referral – a professional, such as a midwife, health visitor, social worker or other front-line professional can complete a form with the family. The referral can be for clothing, toiletries, nappies, as well as other equipment such as feeding equipment, bedding, changing mats, prams, and safety gates. A professional referral form is available on the KidsBank website.
  Professional referral – Kids Bank (kidsbankchester.com)

  KidsBank collects new and pre-loved items for babies and children - clothes, equipment, school uniform, toys and toiletries. We distribute these items to struggling families across Cheshire and Flintshire.
  
  A team of 30 dedicated volunteers manage the day-to-day processing of donations, preparation of referrals, and deliveries.
  
  KidsBank’s mission is to alleviate the impact of childhood poverty by providing practical help as quickly as possible. Cathy’s hope is that the children KidsBank help will not have to go without essentials and that parents know there is support available from people who care.

  Over 151,000 items have been gifted to KidsBank families since it was setup.
• Share Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign on Facebook Share Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign on Twitter Share Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign on Linkedin Email Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign link

  Stay Active 4 Less: Brio’s affordable wellness campaign

  over 2 years ago
  

  In these challenging times, where the cost of living is on a steady rise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn't be a luxury. That's where Brio Leisure's Stay Active 4 Less campaign comes into play.

  Understanding the financial pressures faced by many, we wanted to demonstrate our continued commitment to the health and wellness of our community. Stay Active 4 Less is not just a campaign, it's a solution designed to keep everyone active and healthy in these financially difficult times.

  Firstly, the campaign introduces Exercise 4 Less, offering innovative and free fitness classes that you can enjoy in the... Continue reading

  In these challenging times, where the cost of living is on a steady rise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle shouldn't be a luxury. That's where Brio Leisure's Stay Active 4 Less campaign comes into play.

  Understanding the financial pressures faced by many, we wanted to demonstrate our continued commitment to the health and wellness of our community. Stay Active 4 Less is not just a campaign, it's a solution designed to keep everyone active and healthy in these financially difficult times.

  Firstly, the campaign introduces Exercise 4 Less, offering innovative and free fitness classes that you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. These classes are tailored, led by our own Brio instructors to suit all fitness levels, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit.

  Nutrition is also a key focus. With Eat Healthy 4 Less, Brio Leisure acknowledges the rising food costs and provides resources to help you prepare nutritious, cost-effective meals. The downloadable recipe cards are a treasure trove of quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meal ideas.

  Moreover, Stay Healthy 4 Less extends beyond physical health, offering valuable tips and blogs on saving money and maintaining mental well-being.

  For those new to Brio Leisure, there's an enticing offer: a free 7-day pass to our gyms, pools, off-peak racquet sports and fitness classes. This is a perfect opportunity to experience the quality facilities and supportive community environment first hand.

  Stay Active 4 Less is all about building a healthier, happier and more sustainable lifestyle for the residents of Cheshire West and Chester.
  
  Stay Active 4 Less
• Share Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester on Facebook Share Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester on Twitter Share Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester on Linkedin Email Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester link

  Soul Kitchen helping those in need in Chester

  over 2 years ago
  

  Soul Kitchen is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to supporting those who are homeless, in temporary accommodation, or who are generally struggling due to the rising cost of living and other life experiences.

  Our ethos is to help people get back on their feet through food and friendship. Building up relationships and trust is key to our success.

  We provide a weekly drop-in provision at Campbell Hall, Boughton (opposite The Bike Factory) on a Saturday evening between 5pm and 6.30pm. A warm welcome and a friendly face awaits anyone and everyone who is in need... Continue reading

  Soul Kitchen is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to supporting those who are homeless, in temporary accommodation, or who are generally struggling due to the rising cost of living and other life experiences.

  Our ethos is to help people get back on their feet through food and friendship. Building up relationships and trust is key to our success.

  We provide a weekly drop-in provision at Campbell Hall, Boughton (opposite The Bike Factory) on a Saturday evening between 5pm and 6.30pm. A warm welcome and a friendly face awaits anyone and everyone who is in need of help. We provide our guests with a hot meal, toiletries, clothing, and any other kind of support that’s required.

  Our drop-in venue not only provides people with an escape from the elements outside whatever the weather, which is so important at this time of year, it has toilet and shower facilities too.

  As well as food and clothing support we offer weekly cookery sessions, Soul in a Bowl, helping people to learn how to cook on a budget. The sessions promote self confidence and self-esteem as well as teaching cookery skills and providing a communal meal for everyone that comes along.

  For more information about the support services we offer, or if you’d like to volunteer with us, visit: https://soulkitchenchester.org.uk

  We do not recommend bringing under 18s to Soul Kitchen.
• Share Mid Cheshire Foodbank on Facebook Share Mid Cheshire Foodbank on Twitter Share Mid Cheshire Foodbank on Linkedin Email Mid Cheshire Foodbank link

  Mid Cheshire Foodbank

  over 2 years ago
  

  
  

  Mid Cheshire Foodbank provides food support for those in emergency food crisis. To receive a food parcel, you need to be referred to the foodbank. Most community-based groups are referrers such as schools, doctors, churches etc.

  After receiving one or two food parcels, it’s important that the referral comes via a referral agency such as Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) HELP team, Weaver Vale Housing Trust (if you are a tenant), or Citizens Advice Northwich / Winsford. Referral agencies can provide advice on finances and also signpost you to other support services to address the underlying causes that have... Continue reading

  
  

  Mid Cheshire Foodbank provides food support for those in emergency food crisis. To receive a food parcel, you need to be referred to the foodbank. Most community-based groups are referrers such as schools, doctors, churches etc.

  After receiving one or two food parcels, it’s important that the referral comes via a referral agency such as Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) HELP team, Weaver Vale Housing Trust (if you are a tenant), or Citizens Advice Northwich / Winsford. Referral agencies can provide advice on finances and also signpost you to other support services to address the underlying causes that have led to the crisis.

  CW&C Help team - T: 0808 175 3599 (9am – 5pm)
  Weaver Vale Housing Trust T: 0300 303 9848
  Citizens Advice T: 0808 278 7806 - Citizens Advice do a drop in at Northwich Methodist Centre on Witton Street on Thursday afternoons and at Wyvern House, Winsford, on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm.

  At Mid Cheshire Foodbank we provide 5 days of cupboard staples such as pasta, tinned tomatoes etc., fruit and vegetables towards your ‘5 a day’, bread and eggs - plus a token for a free visit to the community grocery, the Very Green Grocery, run by Changing Lives. When available, we also provide cleaning products, personal hygiene items and pet food.

  The foodbank operates 13 distribution centres across Northwich and Winsford with a centre open every weekday in each town. There are additional mobile collection points at Weaverham and Tarporley using the Mid Cheshire Foodbank van, providing provision to people living in rural areas.
  Distribution Centre locations and opening times

  More information about Mid Cheshire Foodbank is available on our website.
  Mid Cheshire Foodbank
  
  Very Green Grocery is open to anyone in the community. Their ethos is to prevent excess food in the retail and hospitality supply chains going to landfill. A £5 membership fee each visit gets you over £25 of food including refrigerated and frozen items. Customers to the grocery can choose an item from about 17 different options. Before visiting a Very Green Grocery, it’s worth checking their Facebook page for opening times, as they can change. There are two groceries, one on Manchester Road in Lostock and the other at the Old Job Centre, High Street, Winsford.
  
  For more information about what’s on offer at a Very Green Grocery, visit their Facebook page.
  Very Green Grocery Northwich
  Very Green Grocery Winsford

  Changing Lives runs various projects within the Cheshire Food Hub. They can give help with getting refurbished white goods, school uniform, furniture, decorating materials etc. To find out more about Changing Lives, visit Changing Lives Together

  Northwich Community Support are also passionate about reducing food waste, operating food hubs in Cuddington, Rudheath and Weaverham. A donation of just £1 is payable on the door for bread, fruit, and vegetables. Extra donations are required for foods such as meat, meals, and tinned items. Check out their Northwich Community Support Facebook page for opening times and location information.
  
  For more information about community groups currently providing food in other areas of the borough, visit the Welcome Network. Their interactive map will show you the nearest group in your local area.
  Welcome Network interactive map
  
  
• Share Thrive to Survive on Facebook Share Thrive to Survive on Twitter Share Thrive to Survive on Linkedin Email Thrive to Survive link

  Thrive to Survive

  over 2 years ago
  

  Thrive to Survive is a support service where we advocate and support families and vulnerable women living in Ellesmere Port and Elton who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis. We believe everyone should be able to thrive and not have to simply just survive.
  
  It all started with a cup of tea and a chat! We got chatting about the current struggles people are facing in our local area and realised that there was a need to advocate and support people that are falling through the gaps and struggling to access support. Each member of Thrive to Survive has experience... Continue reading

  Thrive to Survive is a support service where we advocate and support families and vulnerable women living in Ellesmere Port and Elton who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis. We believe everyone should be able to thrive and not have to simply just survive.
  
  It all started with a cup of tea and a chat! We got chatting about the current struggles people are facing in our local area and realised that there was a need to advocate and support people that are falling through the gaps and struggling to access support. Each member of Thrive to Survive has experience of hardship whether that is food insecurity, homelessness, financial hardship or mental health difficulties and at some point we have all felt like we didn’t know where to turn or go for help. With Thrive to Survive we hope to bring the people of Ellesmere Port and Elton together, offer guidance and support and be that helping hand for people when they don’t know where to turn.
  
  We set up Thrive to Survive in May of this year, so we’ve been going for six months now!
  
  Ever since COVID and with the current pressures of the Cost of Living, a lot of services have had to sadly move away from face to face support and a lot of the services are now only accessible digitally. After a lot of conversations with people, we found that a lot of residents struggle to access online support or even know what help they need in the first place. So, for us it was a no brainer, being able to offer a safe space where people could come and drop in and seek support whilst being guided through the process.

  The main thing we offer at Thrive to Survive is helping people to navigate the support they are entitled to. We will meet with people fortnightly and then we will assist them with what is needed, such as help with form filling or contacting the relevant services alongside them. This is to help relieve some of the strain and pressure off the individual. For example, if a person comes to us and they are at risk of becoming homeless, we help them to access services such as Housing Options or ForFutures, as well as possibly helping them to look for alternative accommodation and apply for any funding they might need. Same with financial and food support, when funding allows us to do so we help provide immediate/short term help such as a supermarket voucher or a hamper and then we provide support in the long term, such as looking at what would prevent them from needing to access immediate support again in the future, and then we help them and support them through the process.

  Any families or vulnerable women who live in either the Ellesmere Port or Elton area can access Thrive to Survive. We hold Fortnightly sessions on a Friday 11am - 1pm at Thelwall Road Community Centre in Ellesmere Port and we are currently looking to hold drop ins at Elton. Alternatively, people can get in touch with us by email: admin@thrivesurvive.net, telephone: 07831104826 or via our Facebook page (Thrive to Survive) and we can arrange to meet up with them. Our phone line is open Monday - Friday (9:30am - 6pm).

  Thrive to Survive is making a real difference and we’re incredibly proud of some of the assistance we’ve been able to provide to people in our local communities. Recently, a family was referred to us by one of the local primary schools in the area, they were struggling to get their child into school due to being in temporary accommodation out of the area. Thrive to Survive managed to arrange transport for the family to and from school and we also managed to sort out furniture, so the family was able to move into their new property quicker. This has made a huge difference to the family in regard to their mental wellbeing.

  We have also been supporting an individual who came to us experiencing domestic abuse and needed housing related support. We have managed to make a difference both personally and practically. With our help, the individual is now on the local housing register, has been assigned an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and also managed to access support services to get relevant legal advice. Their mental health and confidence has improved in the three months we have been supporting them. We asked the individual to share with us how they found getting support from Thrive to Survive “I was so glad when I started getting help from the ladies at thrive to survive before them I really didn’t know what to do or where I could go to get the help I needed. It has helped so much with my mental health as I know that they are there when I need it and has made reaching out to services much better, I am not as overwhelmed now. I feel like I have someone on my side for once”.

  Thrive to Survive is currently run by 5 volunteers who are passionate about helping others in need in their local area. If you’d like to get involved in volunteering, contact us on 07831104826.

  For more information about Thrive to Survive, visit:
  www.thrivesurvive.net
• Share GGO Community Group supports Winsford residents on Facebook Share GGO Community Group supports Winsford residents on Twitter Share GGO Community Group supports Winsford residents on Linkedin Email GGO Community Group supports Winsford residents link

  GGO Community Group supports Winsford residents

  over 2 years ago
  

  
  The GGO Community Group of Winsford welcomes everybody and anybody. We are a community group run entirely by volunteers, providing a range of support and fun activities for the local community. From food bank referrals to groups and activities for all ages.

  We are located at Finsbury Walk on the St John’s estate, in two bungalows generously provided by Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

  
  Food Bank and food support
  Key to our success is the partnership we have with local food banks which enable us to distribute essential supplies into the community. This is a referral-based service, and if you need... Continue reading

  
  The GGO Community Group of Winsford welcomes everybody and anybody. We are a community group run entirely by volunteers, providing a range of support and fun activities for the local community. From food bank referrals to groups and activities for all ages.

  We are located at Finsbury Walk on the St John’s estate, in two bungalows generously provided by Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

  
  Food Bank and food support
  Key to our success is the partnership we have with local food banks which enable us to distribute essential supplies into the community. This is a referral-based service, and if you need a referral for this, contact GGO. The distribution service is available Monday and Wednesday from 5pm till 7pm.

  Practical advice and guidance
  Our volunteers, many of whom are parents themselves, appreciate how difficult it is for many Winsford residents who are struggling with the rising cost of living. With this in mind, they have taken it upon themselves to learn about specific topics in order to support others. This includes being able to offer debt, benefits, and energy advice.

  Supporting Ukraine families and asylum seekers
  GGO run a Ukraine group and a Ukraine sponsor group for Winsford, Northwich and the surrounding areas. We also support asylum seekers in the Winsford area. If you need support or are available to help other families who are new to the area, please get in touch with us.
  
  Community allotment
  If you’re someone who likes being outdoors and you’re looking to meet new people why not help us to prepare the ground ready to grow food in our new community allotment. 10 per cent of what we grow on the allotment will support GGO in providing meals for local people. The remaining 90 per cent will be donated to those in need in the community.

  In addition, we also offer the following classes and services on a regular basis.

  • A women’s group.
  • A new, men’s group run by men begins on 1 November. Includes trips out to places of interest such as Oulton Park racetrack.
  • Zumba and seated Zumba.
  • A weekly family get together for parents and children of all ages.
  • How to cook on a budget – a basic, six-week cooking course for families
  • A DIY course for simple repairs
  • Community launderette – book a place via our Facebook page or telephone us.
  • Warm Welcoming Space – our community centre will be open to everyone during the winter months. Anyone who comes along will be provided with a hot meal.

  Special events this Christmas
  Our children’s Christmas party will be held on Monday 18 December this year, so don’t forget to book your child’s place. There’ll be lots of fun activities as well as a visit by Father Christmas. For some older people who don’t have family around them Christmas can be a lonely time. On 23 December GGO will be providing a Christmas meal with all the trimmings for Winsford pensioners. Get in touch to book a place.

  Everything at GGO is free to the local community of Winsford. The community group operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded almost entirely through donations.

  If you are interested in coming along and joining in the fun or would like to volunteer, you can contact us via our Facebook page, email or phone.
  
  

  FB: GGO Community Group | Winsford | Facebook

  E: ggowestwinsford@hotmail.com
  T: 07434 704 530
• Share Social Prescribing and how it could help you on Facebook Share Social Prescribing and how it could help you on Twitter Share Social Prescribing and how it could help you on Linkedin Email Social Prescribing and how it could help you link

  Social Prescribing and how it could help you

  over 2 years ago
  

  GPs and other health care professionals, with the support of a link worker, can refer you to a range of non-clinical services to help you to explore ways to improve your overall sense of health and wellbeing and make positive lifestyle changes – this is known as Social Prescribing.

  A Social Prescriber (also known as a link worker) can give you time to focus on what matters to you. They can connect you to groups, activities and services in your community enabling you to meet your practical, social, and emotional needs.

  The approach of social prescribing works well for people... Continue reading

  GPs and other health care professionals, with the support of a link worker, can refer you to a range of non-clinical services to help you to explore ways to improve your overall sense of health and wellbeing and make positive lifestyle changes – this is known as Social Prescribing.

  A Social Prescriber (also known as a link worker) can give you time to focus on what matters to you. They can connect you to groups, activities and services in your community enabling you to meet your practical, social, and emotional needs.

  The approach of social prescribing works well for people of all ages who:

  • have one or more long term conditions
  • need support with low level mental health issues
  • are lonely or isolated
  • have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

  Social prescribing enables community and healthcare professionals to refer you to a Social Prescriber who can support with some of the topics below:

  • Housing, benefits, and financial advice
  • Employment, training, and volunteering
  • Healthy lifestyle advice and physical activity
  • Arts, gardening, and other creative activities
  • Befriending and counselling groups

  People who work in social prescribing support existing community groups to be accessible and sustainable and help start new groups, collaborating with all local partners.

  If you’re facing challenges in your day to day life which are affecting your health and wellbeing speak to your GP practice who can refer you to a Social Prescriber.

  Social prescribing has shown to reduce pressure on NHS services, with reductions in GP consultations, A&E attendances and hospital bed stays for people who have received social prescribing support.