The Community Achievement Awards commemorate Hackney CVS’s founder, Adiaha Antigha (1949-2006), who made a huge contribution to Hackney CVS and to the sector as a whole.
Our Together Better service empowers residents to participate in and deliver all their own free activities in GP surgeries across City and Hackney, supporting each other and the NHS. This includes connecting patients with benefits and housing services, the Money Hub, and advice and guidance support.
We would like to say a huge thank you to all our 120 volunteers, who play a fundamental role in creating support networks for people in a huge range of challenging situations.
Between November 2023 to January 2024, Hackney patients spent over 6,000 hours in Together Better activities, building stronger connections, improving skills, boosting mental and physical health, and relieving pressures on the NHS.
![](https://vchackney.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DSC_5737-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://vchackney.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/broadstairs-trip.jpg)
![](https://vchackney.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/vch_9854-1024x681.jpg)
‘We cannot imagine being without Together Better. It is important that it continues. With volunteers’ help, we are able to offer additional services. This can result in improved access to support services and a more comprehensive healthcare experience for patients.’ Agnieszka Polej, Spring Hill Practice Manager
‘It’s terrific. Together Better is one of the best things that’s happened to me for a very long time.’ Andrew, patient at Nightingale Practice
‘Becoming involved with Together Better has helped me to understand my own capabilities whilst realising I am not alone in my struggles; I have learned valuable listening skills and empathy for others whilst thoroughly enjoying the company of some of my own community who I probably would never have met if it wasn’t for Together Better.’ Together Better participant
We could not do this work without our volunteers, and the support of our NHS funders (Office of Primary Care Networks and the Integrated Care Board).
For more information about Together Better, click here.