Friday 31 March 2017

Friday 31st March 2017 - lots of news

Image result for bags of taste

Posted 3:15pm
It's a glorious day of sunshine outside, and I have already had a couple of meetings today.  In fact this promises to be the longest blog entry for a while, as the list of achievements since Monday is very long.

Let's start with one of today's meetings - with a company called "bags of taste". I really like what they are doing.  We all understand the importance of good nutrition, as well as difficulties when you are on a budget, but they give a four week course (one morning or afternoon a week) and give practical cooking lessons showing you can cook when money is tight.  We are definitely going to be joining up with them for our service users, as nutrition is part of our own program.  I have been looking around for a practical part of it - so hopefully this can happen.

We have definitely finalised start dates for both pilots - with DAI and SHP (yes, I know we did that before, but unforeseen events meant postponement) - and both with be on Monday 8th May - SHP in the morning and DAI in the afternoon.  Exciting times - gives us a further 5 weeks to ensure all is ready.  It also means we can get past Easter.

Our Izzwalkz Clissold Park had its 19th walk yesterday - probably the nicest day weather-wise, and we had our second double figures walk, with lots of laughs.  I really look forward to these now, and get some fantastic feedback from the participants.  I am going to give out a small form next week just asking for some written feedback that we can pass to prospective funders, especially as some of the group come every week.

We are finalising details with the Red Cross to provide a free First Aid class for our SHP group - which will be held on Tuesday 6th June - with a venue provided by SHP, who say they are excited about this.  We are also completing the details of three free gym visits, again for the SHP group, through Camden and Islington NHS Trust and St Pancras Gym, run by the Better Group.  These will be on the mornings of Tuesday 16th, 23rd and 30th May.

We have had to bring in new PTs to cover the loss of Adam, who has decided not to be involved with the project now.  We are very sad to see him depart, but it does give opportunities to others.  Although I held off for a few days, in the hope he may change his mind, we cannot sit back and allow the situation to continue.  With that in mind. we brought a PT called Dean on our Izzwalkz yesterday, and he is very keen to be involved and, in one of those amazing strokes of luck, earlier today I bumped into a PT I knew around four years ago.  After a quick chat I got her email address and she says she would like to see if she can also be engaged with the project.  When one door sadly closes, another opens up!!!

We also met with the local PPG (Patients Group) for Highbury Grange Medical Practice, our Clissold Park partners, and reported back on the success of the walks, as well as discussing the project.  We still have their full support, which is fantastic.

A lot going on. :-)

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