The Health Champions at Oakwood Lane Medical Practice recently held a celebratory event to say thank you for their brand new kitchen! The kitchen was supplied by Howdens and fitted by the Leeds College of Building, wth cups donated by Tesco Extra, Seacroft and the buffet on the day provided by Morrisons. The Co-op on Oakwood Lane have supported the groups since they started by providing a weekly allowance for tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit.
The Practice Health Champions (PHC’s) began in November 2012 as a group of volunteers who wanted to make a difference to local people in need of additional support. There are now 16 Champions with 8 more in the process of training. Utilising community space known as ‘The Roost’ within the Practice building, the aim of the PHC’s is to reduce social isolation, improve mental health and enable people to improve their general health and wellbeing. The volunteers do this by running a variety of popular groups including exercise, walking, crafts, a Pitter-Patter Group which supports the baby clinic, IT and various mental health sessions. They work in close partnership with other agencies to connect people with services in their local community.
One service user who has benefitted greatly from the Health Champions is Dr Paul Green, a retired Philosophy Professor from Leeds University.
Having retired 3 years ago, he and his wife of 45yrs Margaret felt the need to get out of the house more and meet new people.
Dr Green said “We joined some classes and enjoyed them so much that I am now training to become a Health Champion myself!”
Margaret Hazell, Practice Health Champion said “I was one of the 2nd tranche of PHCs to be trained in 2014. Unfortunately, I couldn’t continue due to my husband becoming terminally ill. I nursed him at home until he died in September 14. I returned to the PHC group and was warmly welcomed back and now take a more active role in supporting their aims. I project managed the procurement and installation of our kitchen, supplied by Howdens and installed by Leeds College of Building who have done us proud.”
The thankyou celebration was a huge success, attended by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Gerry Harper and Leeds Rhino’s player Jamie Jones Buchanan. Everyone involved had a great day and enjoyed the buffet. Looking ahead, The Practice Health Champions are hoping to encourage more people to use the services available.
For more information on services either call into The Roost on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning where PHCs are available or contact the Chair Shelley Thompson at the Oakwood Lane Medical Practice.
