PCDT Latest News

PRESS RELEASE
1 April 2010

TRY SOMETHING NEW – AND FEEL GREAT!
 
Learn to sail or swim. Join a choir or study for an IT qualification. Get help with finding a job or losing a bit of weight.

These are among the opportunities open to people living in and around St Ives, thanks to a project which is taking a fresh approach to improving community health and wellbeing. 

Under the scheme, GPs at Stennack Surgery refer patients to wellbeing facilitator Darren Hall, who is based at the surgery. Darren can signpost them to a whole range of local activities, and support them when they find one which interests them.     

The Wellbeing Project, a partnership between the surgery and the Cornwall Healthy Living Centre is part-funded by the Big Lottery and the Friends of Stennack Surgery. It was launched last November, and is certainly keeping Darren busy. 

He said: “We’re particularly targeting people who are obese, have heart disease or diabetes; are depressed or anxious; socially isolated; recovering from substance misuse; or are unemployed or demotivated.

“If someone is referred for support with diet and exercise, I’ve been helping them to contact organisations like the Stennack Weight Matters group, St Ives Sailing Club, St Ives Leisure Centre and the Green Gym.

“If they’re unemployed or need training, I suggest Link into Learning, Penwith Community Development Trust’s employment advisors or the local library. If they’re interested in voluntary work, there’s Penwith Volunteer Bureau and groups such as Kidz R Us, and for older people, organisations like the University of the Third Age and Hayle Day Care Centre can help.

“I feel that the project is helping to promote people's health and wellbeing in a holistic way. The hope is that if someone can get involved in something that makes them feel good, it will then help to raise their confidence and self esteem, which should have a positive impact in other areas of their life – and go some way to preventing further problems from arising.”

Local people now have a chance to find out more about the project with the launch of an outreach service at St Ives Library on Thursday May 27. Darren will be on hand to offer advice to anyone who feels they need support to identify and access activities to boost their health and wellbeing.

There will also be an opportunity to find out more about what the library has to offer, as well as information about a variety of community organisations. Darren will then be at the library every Thursday between 2.00pm and 5.00pm 

He would now like to hear from any local organisations which offer health and wellbeing activities – especially in the St Ives area – and would like to be involved with the Wellbeing Project. Darren can be contacted on 07889 321526.

Click here to return to the News page