Welcome to the 2023 Autumn Edition of Wansbeck Community Links Newsletter

In this edition, you can hear all about our plans for the lead up to Christmas

A tiny reminder of who we are and what we do.

We are employed by Cygnus support, a local counselling charity who formed a partnership with Wansbeck Primary Care Network to provide the patients of Seaton Park, Bedlingtonshire, Gables & Guidepost GP surgeries with a full Social Prescribing Service.

Our team of 5 Link Workers (Social Prescribers) provide a 1-1 service, listening and identifying what non-medical issues the patient may be facing that is affecting their wellbeing, then linking them into services and groups to receive the practical, emotional, and social support they need.

But our team also do so much more! We work in our wider community, linking people together, building relationships and bringing pride back into the local area. "We really do have the best job!"

Get in touch

If you are a patient of either, Bedlingtonshire, Gables, Guidepost or Seaton Park GP surgeries, and feel you would benefit from our Community Link Service, you can ask your surgery reception staff or healthcare professional for a Link Worker referral.

If you have any queries regarding our service, please contact Jane Mcgee on 07311 79 79 35 or email WansbeckCLW@cygnussupport.com
Alternatively, you can find us on Northumberland Frontline.
Also Facebook Wansbeck Community Links

Bitesize Case Studies

"I am so pleased that Mental Health nurse put me in touch with you, I am now making contacts in the area and have a network of support." - Male patient, 47 years, referred by Mental Health Practitioner for veteran support as new to area.  Patient had recent moved from Newcastle to Bedlington, feeling very isolated being in a small town compared to a large busy city, big adjustment.  His Link Worker gave him the details of veterans coffee morning at YMCA and Crossroads cafe, also agreed to a referreal to Boxing Well for Veterans through Northumberland Recovery College.  Put in touch with Veterans Support at Age UK.  Although patient was not over 50, they still agreed to offer support.  Link Worker provided lists of other veteran/men's support charities and groups, volunteering opportunities and men shed activities.  Patient felt much happier knowing support was available and social opportunities for him to meet others.  

"Thank you for all you have done.  I had no idea there was so much out there, I no longer feel I am fighting this on my own." - Guidepost patient, Female, 63 years.  Patient was referred by reception staff as had got upset at reception desk due to recent cancer diagnosis.  Initial telephone conversation was very open and honest, patient feared the worst with her diagnosis, little family support.  Advised on Cancer Care Map.  Referrals made to Citizens Advice and Macmillan Cancer support for financial advice, Coping with Cancer for emotional support and opportunity to engage in alternative therapies and couselling.  Discovered only carer support would be coming from the patient's young granddaughter, so a referral to Carer's Northumberland Young Carer project was made to offer support.  Patient felt much more positive about her cancer journey.  

Highlight on:

Highlight on East Bedlington "Bedlington Station"

Bedlington Station is a settlement in Northumberland, located by East Bedlington and just over a mile north-west of the town centre of Bedlington. As its name suggests, the area gets its name from Bedlington Railway Station, which opened on 3 August 1850 and closed to both passengers and goods traffic on 2 November 1964.

The East Bedlington area was once dominated by coal mining with several coal mines situated over the Bedlington area, the Bedlington Pit was opened in 1838 and coal production reached its peak in 1950, but unfortunately the pit closed in 1971.

The Gables Medical group took over the Clayton Ballroom, opening on 1st Apr 1974 at St Johns Road. The Gables medical group was previously located on Park Terrace which is now The Gables Care home.

The Gables Health Centre
26 St John's Rd, Bedlington. NE22 7DU
Tel: 01670 829889 Open:
Mon 8.30am – 6pm, Tue 7am – 8pm, Wed 8.30am – 6pm Thur 8.30am – 6pm, Fri 8.30 – 6pm. Sat (1in4) 8.30am - 12.30 & Sun closed

Highlight on St Andrews Church, Cambois

Tasty Tuesday soup, sandwiches and cake event every Tuesday from 12:00pm, all welcome, free and also do takeaways.  

Monthly Church Tabletop Fair, which is the last Saturday of the month from 10am-3pm.  

Chicks with sticks knitting group, knitting group £2.50, includes cuppas and cake every Thursday at 1pm

Our Regular Activities 

Ashington

Hirst Welfare, Alexandra Road, Ashington, NE63 9HN
Every Wednesday 9:30-11:30am
Wellbeing Coffee Morning
Free refreshments, tabletop activities, various wellbeing themes.  Plus magazine/book swap

Hirst Welfare, Ashington
Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30am
Reading for Wellbeing
Facilitated by Sarah and Jane (Reading for Wellbeing Team)

Hirst Welfare, Ashington
Every Wednesday, 10:30-11:30am
Adult Multi sports
Table tennis, cornhole, baccia, hula hoops and more! 

Hirst Welfare, Ashington
First Tuesday of the month (starting October 3rd) 2:30-4pm (May run an additional weekly cafe if attendees wish to see each other more often in a more social setting)
Bereavement Cafe
Come along and meet Stuart our Bereavement counsellor from Cygnus, in a safe and friendly atmosphere where you can meet others going through the same difficult time

Hirst Welfare, Ashington
Last Wednesday of every month, 10-12pm 
Re Loved, Pre Loved
Free clothing for the whole family, plus household items including baby equipment.  Can bring items to swap but not essential to bring anything

Hirst Welfare, Ashington
Every Friday 10-12pm
Family Fun plus warm hub
Join us on a Friday morning, for baby and toddler play.  Free hot refreshments and free Pre Loved baby/toddler clothing plus adult warm clothing available

Seaton Park Medical Group, Norham Road, Ashington
Last Monday of the month, 9:30-11am (Starting 30th October)
Information pop up table
Meet Link Workers, Jeff and Justine, to find out what's on in your local area and what support services can help you

Bedlington

Bedlington Library, Glebe Road (opposite Bedlingtonshire Medical Group)
Every Thursday 10-11:30am
Walk and Talk
Gentle walk staged with 3 routes for all abilities, plus free refreshments in the Library afterwards

Bedlingtonshire Medical Group
First Monday of the month 9:15-10:45am
Information pop up table
Meet Link Worker, Linda, and find out what's on in your local area and what support services can help you

Bedlington Library
Every Tuesday 10:30-12pm
Knit and Knatter
Now ran by members of our Walk and Talk group. Bring along your knitting or craft project, free refreshments

Bedlington Library
Every Wednesday 1-3pm
Adult Lego
Lego kits and tabletop activities

Gables Medical Group, St John's Road, Bedlington
Frist Tuesday of the month 10:30-12pm
Wellbeing Morning
Come and meet Link Worker, Carly, for free refreshments, tabletop activities and health checks

Guidepost

Guidepost Medical Group, North Parade, Choppington
Every Wednesday 1:30-3pm
Walk and Talk
Gentle walk from the surgery for all abilities, with free refreshments in surgery afterwards

Guidepost Medical Group
Second Monday of the month 10:30-12pm
Coffee Morning
Come and meet Link Worker, Christine for free refreshements and tabletop activities

Newbiggin

Seaton Park Medical Group, Butland Terrace, Newbiggin
Every Thursday at 10:30am
Walk and Talk
Gentle walk from the GP surgery to the Elizabethan Hall for free refreshments

Re Love - Pre Loved

Clothing event (formally Hirst Clothes Swap) 
When:- Last Wednesday of every month (except December) 10am till 12noon
Where:- Hirst Welfare Centre, Alexandra Road, Ashington
What:- Free clothing, small household items and baby goods
- In needs of some new clothes for you and the family
- New baby on the way and in need of essential items
- Fancy upgrading your wardrobe for free whilst helping to save the planet by reducing land waste
- Looking for textiles for a craft project
Then come along and see what we have to offer (we also accept donated items on the day) 

Published: Oct 18, 2023