A COMMUNITY and Wellbeing Fayre was held this weekend, to help look after residents.
On Saturday, the health and wellbeing team at the Earley+ Primary Care Network, which includes Brookside Group Practice and Wilderness Road Surgery, hosted the event.
It was held at the Salvation Army, Lower Earley, and brought together organisations and charities who wanted to show how they can support people’s wellbeing.
Stall holders included Citzens Advice Wokingham, CAP, Involve, The Link Visiting Scheme, The Friendship Alliance, Reading Men’s Shed, The Cowshed, the Men’s Shed. HealthWatch, Cranstoun, and Earley Help Hub.
Nichole Foster, health and wellbeing service team lead at Brookside Group Practise, said there were roughly 70 visitors on the day.
She said: “I have already had two patients tell me that they plan to attend groups such as the Earley Day Centre and the Men’s Shed groups which they met at the event, and were grateful to have been put in touch with them.”
One resident who went along said: “I’m so pleased I went to the Fayre on Saturday, it was very informative with leaflets on the different activities so you don’t forget about the ones you were interested in.”
The afternoon event aimed to build on support offered to patients, showcase support on offer and help residents feel connected with their community.
Many of the stallholders said it was a fantastic way to gather referrals, as well as volunteers, and network with other groups.
A spokesperson for Brookside Group Practise added: “Patients told us that they thought it was great that this event had created by the GP practice for the benefit of the community and hadn’t heard of this approach before.
“We are very grateful to the Salvation Army for hosting the Fayre, and to each of the groups that came along and brought their enthusiasm and passion for community based support.”
