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Over the years, we have piloted a variety of initiatives for
helping people towards better health, but due to lack of space and
funds
not all of these can be offered at the same time.
These therapies are provided for adults on a self-referral basis.
For a small fee, the therapist works to relieve symptoms of stress,
giving people attention and time to talk in confidence. Funding
for the essential oils and other items has been secured from
a variety of sources.
Although there is limited space for artists in residence, we have
hosted a number of arts and health projects, including photography,
tape-recording and writing, storytelling, mosaic work and murals.
For each initiative, funding was secured from charitable trusts
or other arts-related development funds, and the work was evaluated.
An eight-week rolling programme of exercise, relaxation and information
was piloted at the Resource Centre and is now also regularly
available at other community centres throughout the city. The
sessions are tailored to meet the needs of a significant number
of ‘hard to reach’ people, who may be living alone,
with higher levels of anxiety/depression or reduced social and
communication skills. A number of different professionals contribute
to the success of the scheme, funded by Newcastle PCT.
Using the findings of the Community Care Information Project
and other information initiatives, we are clear that health information
must be provided in a variety of forms and in different settings
in order that people
can make timely decisions. Funded by HealthWORKS, a worker provided
information to individuals and groups and maintained the display
boards in the Centre.
A service for children with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity
was piloted, by seeing the whole family together to get to know
the precise details of the difficulties and then using homeopathic
remedies and monthly consultations to treat the children. This
was funded by a charitable trust.
Our organisation is committed to developing training opportunities
to local people, whatever their age, and as part of this has
offered placements for NVQ Level 2 in Sports and Recreation.
Staff have undertaken assessor training and developed skills
to support the young people, and several youngsters have moved
into employment, including work at the Health Resource Centre.
Two physiotherapists, employed by Newcastle PCT, provide assessment
and treatment for people with musculo-skeletal problems referred
by local GP’s or hospital consultants. The physiotherapists
also support the cardiac rehabilitation programmes, adapting
the exercises to suit individuals with heart disease or implementing
a course of physiotherapy.
This service, provided by Newcastle PCT, is extremely well-utilised
by the local community through GP referal. It is easily accessible
for elderly people. The service also runs education/information
sessions on footcare in the centre's meeting room.
This active and independent
group grew out of the cardiac rehabilitation programme, to provide
social support and activities for people
who are affected by heart disease. Friendships have developed
between members, whilst others have renewed acquaintances with
old friends and work colleagues. The group meets monthly to plan
walks, outings, and social events and fundraising events to promote
a healthy lifestyle.
This joint venture involves specialist mental health staff with
our health and fitness instructors, to help people with stress-related
problems such as anxiety, panic attacks, or depression.
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