These days of sparkling sunshine and biting wind are great for getting out for a walk. It’s well recorded that outdoor exercise does you good and can help you sleep better. Now it’s also been reported that joining a club or group helps keep us out of hospital.
For several years the Town Council and the doctors practice have co-funded Health Connectors that are based at the Health Centre. The connectors work with the doctors and other health workers to signpost people to supportive services in town. This could be a choir or craft group, sport club or interest group like the Historical Society. Meeting up regularly with other likeminded people can prevent loneliness and anxiety which may lead you to seek help from the doctor. This Frome based story has appeared in several articles in the press and on TV. It shows how Frome is making a difference to the number of people needing emergency hospital care. This sort of linked up caring for each other is really making a difference and saving the NHS money.
Many people find it hard to get to appointments at the health centre or the hospital here or in Bath. Frome has a volunteer drivers scheme that is part of Volunteer Frome. This group of drivers help people get to the doctors appointment, local clubs, the shops or meetings. There is a cost but it is low. I checked out the information about this group on the Council website and found that they are looking for a coordinator to help with the scheme. This is a paid post and if you are interested then check out the Town Council website or pop into the Town Hall for information.
As I write this there is news of some really cold weather blowing in… in the spirit of looking after each other its worth checking neighbours and friends are ok.
