Chief Medical Officer visits "remarkable people" of Gateshead
Professor Chris Whitty visited Gateshead last week to learn more about how Gateshead Council and its partners are working together to support happier, healthier communities.
The morning began with a trip to Larkspur House in Beacon Lough East, one of three community houses run by registered charity Edberts House (opens new window). Professor Whitty was welcomed by members of the Larkspur team, as well as neighbourhood policing partners, Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council and Director of Public Health Alice Wiseman. He heard about how the organisation places connection at the heart of everything it does and how places like Larkspur not only bring people together to tackle social isolation, but also link them together with local services more effectively.
Sarah Gorman, the project's Chief Executive, explained how individuals and families benefit from having a warm, welcoming space to visit for activities including toddler groups and bingo - where they can also easily access support and advice on managing their finances, housing issues, mental health concerns and more. Local residents spoke about their own experiences and the difference that Larkspur House has made for them and the wider community, particularly during the pandemic. Larkspur's community development worker Lisa also shared her own story of how the support she received from Edberts House inspired her to begin a new career, helping others in the same way.
Next up was Pattinson House in the Nest and Old Fold Estates, where Professor Whitty heard more from Sarah and the team about the importance of social prescribing and the benefits of placing community development workers directly in GP practices to help patients who come in with non-clinical issues. He spoke with local GP James Taylor about the issues faced within the local Primary Care Network and with embedded researcher Mandy Cheetham about the importance of empowering disadvantaged groups to have their voices heard. The group also heard from Ella, who initially started coming to Pattinson House to meet other new mums - and ended up with the confidence and the practical support she needed to start her own photography business.
CMO & Leader
Larkspur 2
Larkspur 3
Pattinson House
Pattinson 2
Walking football - OPA
Walking footballers
Walking football 2
DPH, CMO & OPA Chief Exec
CMO & Leader
Professor Whitty concluded his visit with a trip to Gateshead Older People's Assembly (opens new window) in Deckham, where a game of walking football was in full swing. He chatted with Chief Executive Craig Bankhead about the range of activities on offer to help over 50s improve their health, maintain their independence and learn new skills.
Reflecting on the visit, Professor Whitty said: "I've had a fantastic day in which I've seen some really inspiring things. I've met some remarkable people dealing with local problems in a way that actually fits the local needs."
Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health and Professor Whitty's tour guide for the day, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome the Chief Medical Officer and highlight some of the amazing community initiatives in Gateshead. We face some significant health challenges in the North East and the last few years have been particularly tough for many of our communities, but the personal experiences that were shared with Sir Chris show that by working together with our voluntary and community sector partners, the NHS, and other statutory partners like the police, we can make a real difference. We also have a lot to be proud of."
Professor Chris Whitty visited Gateshead last week to learn more about how Gateshead Council and its partners are working together to support happier, healthier communities.
The morning began with a trip to Larkspur House in Beacon Lough East, one of three community houses run by registered charity Edberts House (opens new window). Professor Whitty was welcomed by members of the Larkspur team, as well as neighbourhood policing partners, Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council and Director of Public Health Alice Wiseman. He heard about how the organisation places connection at the heart of everything it does and how places like Larkspur not only bring people together to tackle social isolation, but also link them together with local services more effectively.
Sarah Gorman, the project's Chief Executive, explained how individuals and families benefit from having a warm, welcoming space to visit for activities including toddler groups and bingo - where they can also easily access support and advice on managing their finances, housing issues, mental health concerns and more. Local residents spoke about their own experiences and the difference that Larkspur House has made for them and the wider community, particularly during the pandemic. Larkspur's community development worker Lisa also shared her own story of how the support she received from Edberts House inspired her to begin a new career, helping others in the same way.
Next up was Pattinson House in the Nest and Old Fold Estates, where Professor Whitty heard more from Sarah and the team about the importance of social prescribing and the benefits of placing community development workers directly in GP practices to help patients who come in with non-clinical issues. He spoke with local GP James Taylor about the issues faced within the local Primary Care Network and with embedded researcher Mandy Cheetham about the importance of empowering disadvantaged groups to have their voices heard. The group also heard from Ella, who initially started coming to Pattinson House to meet other new mums - and ended up with the confidence and the practical support she needed to start her own photography business.
CMO & Leader
Larkspur 2
Larkspur 3
Pattinson House
Pattinson 2
Walking football - OPA
Walking footballers
Walking football 2
DPH, CMO & OPA Chief Exec
CMO & Leader
Professor Whitty concluded his visit with a trip to Gateshead Older People's Assembly (opens new window) in Deckham, where a game of walking football was in full swing. He chatted with Chief Executive Craig Bankhead about the range of activities on offer to help over 50s improve their health, maintain their independence and learn new skills.
Reflecting on the visit, Professor Whitty said: "I've had a fantastic day in which I've seen some really inspiring things. I've met some remarkable people dealing with local problems in a way that actually fits the local needs."
Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health and Professor Whitty's tour guide for the day, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome the Chief Medical Officer and highlight some of the amazing community initiatives in Gateshead. We face some significant health challenges in the North East and the last few years have been particularly tough for many of our communities, but the personal experiences that were shared with Sir Chris show that by working together with our voluntary and community sector partners, the NHS, and other statutory partners like the police, we can make a real difference. We also have a lot to be proud of."
