Coalfields Regeneration Trust appoints three new staff to support mental and physical wellbeing in the Five Towns

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which supports the 5.7 million people living in former mining communities throughout the UK, has launched a new partnership with GP surgeries as part of the Five Towns Primary Care Network.

The new partnership will bring together local community providers, mental health services, social care representatives and more in an effort to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the Five Towns.

Matt Foster, Ella Oldroyd and Philippa Priestley have all been appointed as Health and Wellbeing Activators to the Coalfield Regeneration Trust’s Communities Active team.

They will join Lindsey Best-Fryer, who was appointed to the team last month.

Kat Clarke, Development Manager – Game On England, comments: “As we are all navigating through these challenging times, we know that many former coalfield communities are mong the hardest hit.

"As such, having the capacity to deliver a dedicated health and wellbeing provision means we can help the immediate needs of our residents.

“By not only forming but growing the Communities Active team in such a short space of time, we have been able to expand and quicken the delivery of our critical support services to some of Wakefield’s most deprived areas.

“Welcoming Matt, Ella and Philippa enhances our ability to help as many people as possible.

"With a growing team, we can also capitalise on further opportunities to form more strategic partnerships such as the one with Primary Care Networks.

“To be able to inspire residents of all ages to become more physically active, improve their mental health and ultimately achieve huge lifestyle changes, will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on these communities now and in the future.”

Working with Patience Lane Surgery, Kings Medical Practice, Health Care First Partnership and Castleford Medical Practice, who are all part of the Five Towns Primary Care Network, the activators will offer dedicated guidance and advice to patients on improving their mental health and physical wellbeing.

As part of their new roles, the Activators will offer one-to-one sessions to residents, support existing community programmes and introduce new health and wellbeing activities across Normanton, Knottingley, Airedale and Castleford.

Christine Sanderson, Business Manager, Five Towns Primary Care Network at the Primary Care Network, comments: “The Five Towns Primary Care Network is committed to working with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to develop and support the Communities Active team.

“As the fight against the pandemic continues, we need to ensure that the health and wellbeing of our residents is not compromised further.

"We understand just how critical this work is, which is why the Five Towns Primary Care Network has also invested in Care Co-Ordinators.

“By supporting the work of the Health and Well Activators, which have a real enthusiasm to make things happen, the resource available can extend across all of these communities to make long-lasting and significant improvements to those who need it most.”