GP practices strengthen community support in East Dorset

More than 50 people from Ferndown, West Moors, Verwood and surrounding areas came together today for a community networking and information event organised by Crane Valley Primary Care Network.

Crane Valley Primary Care Network brings local GP practices together to support people’s health and wellbeing across these areas. 

The event was attended by local community groups, services and partners to share information, make new connections, and explore how working together can better support people’s health and wellbeing.

A key focus of the event was Community Switch, a local website that helps people find support, activities and services in their area.

Andy Saunders who works with Crane Valley primary care network talking to the guests at the event.

Andy has been integral in setting up the Community Switch website.

Crane Valley want to enhance their local directory of community support services, making it easier for their GP practices to signpost patients to the right help at the right time.

The event included advice and input from local partners including Dorset Police. By bringing everyone together, the event helped build stronger links, shared understanding, and greater capacity across the local area.

Damian Cranny, Fraud Protection Officer with Dorset Police.

Damien talked about spotting the signs of fraud - how to protect yourself and others from scams and fraud.

Jo Morris, Managing Partner at The Cranborne Practice said: “The Community Switch website has become an important part of supporting health in the local community. It helps connect people with services that can improve their health and wellbeing. 

"Thank you to everyone who came along today, shared their time, and helped build stronger links between local groups and our GP practices.”

Local resident Celia Marker helped to create the Community Switch leaflets, and regularly peer reviews the website to check it is up-to-date: “It’s a really useful tool for both patients and community groups. It was a great to meet people today,  and find out about groups I hadn’t come across before. Groups should get in touch with each other and keep the conversations going.”

Members of the local Patient Participation Group (PPG) also played a key role this important community work, as well as the Verwood Rotary Club.

Crane Valley Primary Care Network hopes the event will help to make sure people know what support is available in their community.

Community Switch is open to everyone and you do not need to be registered with a specific GP practice to use it. Find out more at www.communityswitch.org