The hub, which has been running since September 2022, is overseen by Social Prescriber, Zerrin Buckle. Attendees already have the chance to meet with Zerrin who can signpost them to valuable local services, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch and a chance to chat to advisers from the Department of Work and Pensions and a health visitor for those with children under five.
Kingston GP, Nick Merrifield, said: “We had the pleasure of meeting over 130 of our local carers at our recent event which was held with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing. After the event, the team could clearly see that these people could benefit from a more regular offer of support and using the hub seemed perfect.”
Services for carers at the hub will include emotional, legal, medical and social prescribing support, offered under one roof.
“This feels like a fantastic way to build on a really successful event. I’d encourage carers to come forward and access the support, either in one go, or to choose only to see those that would be most helpful to them.”
Laura Greene, Head of Volunteering and Community Partnerships at Kingston Hospital
Zerrin Buckle, Social Prescriber, said: “I’m so pleased that the hub is already such a useful space for people, and adding these services will make such a difference to some of our local care givers. I think having the solicitor come along will be particularly useful and will help some of the families I support a great deal.”
Laura Greene, Head of Volunteering and Community Partnerships at Kingston Hospital, added: “This feels like a fantastic way to build on a really successful event. I’d encourage carers to come forward and access the support, either in one go, or to choose only to see those that would be most helpful to them. Even just popping in for a coffee and a chat with one of the volunteers at the hub could make all the difference.”
Diane White, Chief Executive at Kingston Carers’ Network, said: “We are always working hard to improve the lives of carers in the borough and this is a valuable resource that I hope will prove very useful. Working in partnership means we can really make a difference.”
The recent event for carers was held in partnership between the New Malden & Worcester Park PCN, Kingston Hospital and Kingston Carers’ Network, and featured a range of stalls with attendees invited to find out more about benefits they may be entitled to, how they can plan for the future and about simple steps they can take to stay healthy. Alzheimer’s Society Advisors, and senior nursing staff from Your Healthcare were also at the event.
The one stop shop takes place monthly with the next to be held on 13 July 2023.
For more information contact Zerrin Buckle, by emailing [email protected] or calling 07949 19 20 77.