When Peter* first moved to Stonebridge Lodge two years ago, he felt lonely, isolated and unsure where to turn for local support and services.
Following a referral to Rainbow Health Centre, Peter was able to register as a new patient without a permanent address and received a health check to identify if he needed further care.
Rainbow Health Centre has not only been able to provide health care to Peter, but has enabled him to meet new people and build positive relationships with staff, helping to improve his overall health and wellbeing.
Rainbow Health Centre is a practice which provides tailored support to around 1500 asylum seekers, refugees and people experiencing homelessness within Croydon. The practice offers services such as GP appointments, health checks, mental health referrals and signposting.
The staff at Rainbow Health Centre are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of their patients of all ages and go out of their way to ensure they receive appropriate care.
I’ve found Rainbow Health Centre very helpful. They have helped in a lot of ways and I’ve been able to develop good relationships with the staff.”
Peter, local resident.
Working to address the inequalities to accessing health and care, the practice offers an inclusive service by providing interpreters for those who do not speak English as their first language, and a transportation service so patients can easily get to and from their appointments.
Rainbow Health Centre has also worked collaboratively with partners including Asian Resource Centre of Croydon, Croydon BME Forum and Croydon Vision to organise a health event for its patients, bringing services into the community.
Free health checks, sight and dental checks were available for those who came along. The practice also served a tasty free lunch and free clothes and toys were kindly bought in by staff and the local community.
Rainbow Health Centre is making a positive difference every day. The team go above and beyond to help patients and others who may walk through our door.” Tamarah Whyte, Administration Team Leader at Rainbow Health Centre.”
Tamarah Whyte, Rainbow Health Centre.
Rainbow Health Centre aims to hold more health events for its patients and continues to drive Croydon’s ambitions in addressing inequalities to accessing health and care.
*Name changed for confidentiality purposes.