In 2021 First Community launched its First Community Network to enable the public to have more input into the way community health services are provided and developed.
With 15 registered volunteers currently part of the network, the organisation is now looking to expand the membership to gain further insight and opinions of those in the community it serves.
Su Ryan, First Community’s Associate Director of Scheduled Care said: “Our First Community Network has been instrumental in gathering views and experiences from people across east Surrey and has supported us in improving our services.
“It has been a successful two years since we launched the network. Members have supported us with 25 projects so far and we have more and more coming forward that volunteers can support us with.
“The First Community Network has supported us with projects such as reducing the risk of patients falling on Caterham Dene Hospital Ward, improving leaflets on healthy eating and developing a template for patient letters. It’s really exciting to now be seeking more people to expand the network and further support us in our continuous journey of improvement.”
Feedback from network volunteers has been extremely positive so far, with some commenting:
“I have found my engagement with the team to be truly rewarding.”
“If I was to tell a friend about my experience I would say ‘don’t be afraid of not being able to contribute, every voice is listened to and considered’. Everyone with a little bit of time available in their month can really make a difference.”
In November, two online sessions will take place where the public can learn more about First Community’s services, meet some of the volunteers currently part of the network, learn about some the projects they have been involved with and how they can contribute going forward.
The virtual sessions will take place on Tuesday 21 November 2pm - 3.30pm and Tuesday 28 November 6pm - 7.30pm. Interested people need only to attend one session. To register your attendance and be sent the meeting link please email fchc.beinvolvedfirstcommunity@nhs.net.
Those unable to attend the online sessions are still encouraged to register their interest in writing to: Be Involved, First Community, Orchard House, Unit 8a Orchard Business Centre, Bonehurst Road, Salfords, RH1 5EL, email fchc.beinvolvedfirstcommunity@nhs.net or call 01737 775450.
If you’d like to find out more about the First Community Network please visit: https://www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk/involvement-feedback/first-community-network