A Thanet scheme to bring people together for a cuppa and a chat has won grant funding after being nominated by isle GPs.
Doctors from the Grange Practice at Montefiore Medical Centre in Ramsgate submitted the project for a Healthy Communities Grant from Assura, the specialist property company which looks after their medical centre building.
Practices working in the company’s 550 buildings around the country were invited to put forward schemes which made a difference to the health of their patients. The Grange Practice project plans to run a series of drop-in tea and chat sessions in the community as well as an afternoon tea party, a health barbecue in the summer and a Christmas get-together for patients who may be feeling isolated.
Staff will volunteer to run the events, with the grant used to fund catering, venue hire and transport for patients who need help to get there.
In its nomination, the practice said: “Our existing monthly drop-in session already helps lonely patients with their mental health and mobility – and has also been shown to reduce unnecessary appointments for patients who may only come to see the nurse or GP each month for a chat.”
Jonathan Murphy, CEO of Assura, said: “We hear so much in the media about the pressures facing the NHS due to loneliness – and it’s been particularly striking to see that theme running through many of these nominations. This is invaluable insight from GPs about the community projects which make the biggest difference to health for their patients, and we’re absolutely delighted to support them through our buildings.”
