Claire Ferrigi, Community Development Manager for Together Better and Our Place services, said: “We’re over the moon and I had to pinch myself when I heard the result! The fact that Together Better staff, our phenomenal volunteers and the participating GP practices have been recognised for the work they do to reduce social isolation in Hackney is amazing.”
Lauren Tobias, Volunteer Centre Hackney CEO, added: “I’m so proud of everyone involved with Together Better – the patients, GP practice staff and our staff team. It really is a team effort. All our patient volunteers work so hard to run fun and interesting activities for others, and they deserve to be recognised. I am so pleased that the award has celebrated a programme like Together Better, which is a place-based service led by and for local residents, that aims to create lasting change.”
One of our wonderful patients at Lawson Practice, Sonia, reinforced the difference the service makes and said: “It’s been very good, people come along, you meet people, have a cup of tea, talk… If you have any problems, you talk to each other, share your problems, anyone might able to help and share where people can get help. We signpost people to help, that is very good and I find it rewarding. I’m thankful for our leader Will [William Reedman, Community Engagement Coordinator at Spring Hill Practice and Lawson Practice] who keeps us together!”
Connecting with others in our community and enjoying fun activities is great for our wellbeing − especially during the winter months − so if you’d like to join Together Better activities like coffee mornings or arts and crafts groups, discover more about the service here.