With increasing demand on the NHS and restricted resources, primary care services are struggling. Our society has an ageing population that deals with long-term health conditions, isolation, and loneliness. In many cases a doctor’s appointment is completely appropriate, but some of these things can be improved with peer support, making new friends, and being more active. This is where our Health Champions come in.

Health Champions are volunteers who work with the practice to improve services in the community. This includes working collaboratively to support the groups run by  our Health Champions. There is an excellent variety of groups including running, walking, crafts, and several peer support groups for chronic conditions. Many of the groups have started off small, but through word of mouth have increased in numbers.

The Practices are now receiving both national and local recognition as one of the leading adopters of the Altogether Better Programme (https://www.altogetherbetter.org.uk/) and offer a wide variety of social and physical activities to help people stay healthy and self-manage their health.

There are so many groups available!

• Fibrymyalgia, Chronic Pain, and Fatigue Support Group
• Nordic Walking and Health Walks
• Beginners Running Group
• A Craft Group
• Diabetes (expert talks and support group)
• Leg Ulcer Clinic
• Gardening
• Toddlers Art Group
• Trailway Scoot Route Group
• Orienteering 
• Cycling
• Bereavement Counselling
• Befriending
• PTSD Support
• Health Coaching
• Cafe Group
• Lunch Club
• Community Fridge
• Wellness Walks for New Mamas
• Sing Together Group
• Suspended Coffee
• Wellbeing Walk In Sessions

If you are interested in joining any of the groups, or even starting your own, please email Sara on Sara.Stringer@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.