First Community invests over £11,000 to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families in east Surrey

First Community invests over £11,000 to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families in east Surrey

First Community Health and Care has invested in over £11,000 to implement new initiatives put forward by staff to improve health and wellbeing of children and families in the local community.

In October 2019, the ‘Ideas to Action’ project launched and staff put forward their investment proposals.  

The winning initiatives were announced at the First Community Staff Awards celebration on 11 December 2019 and will be implemented over the coming months. The ideas submitted demonstrated passion, quality and a patient focus, the desire of staff to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of the community.

Among the winners is a new Fussy Easters Support Group which will allow parents and carers to come together to understand how to approach the issues they may face and to be provided with practical guidance and advice.  The group will help families feel less isolated and there will be a secure social media network available so they can support each other and share ideas.

A new support group, Parents Matter, will be started for parents of children with Autism and/or social communication difficulties.  This support group will provide families with an opportunity to build their own support network by meeting other parents in similar situations whilst in a relaxed, safe and non-judgemental environment.

There will also be a Paediatric Physiotherapy Baby and Toddlers Group for babies or toddlers with development delay or concerns with areas of development. The group will provide early intervention and diagnosis along with education and support for parents. It will provide reassurance for parents being in a group with similar children and help to reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation.

When asked about the exciting new investments, Jayne White Head of Children’s Services for East Surrey said, “These new services and ways of working will help us to deliver the highest quality of care and provide better outcomes for children and families in east Surrey.

“The new support groups will help parents feel less isolated, provide support and friendship networks and be a place to go to should they have concerns.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact these networks will make to the children and families of our community”.

Updates on the new services and how to access them will be available on the website in the coming months. www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk