For nearly ten years the Health for Life community programme has been helping isolated or vulnerable people suffering from depression and anxiety regain their confidence, health and independence by attending local village clubs and community education classes. People referred are usually aged 30 and over. There is no upper age limit. They live in more than sixty villages in rural South and East Cambridgeshire, including towns and villages in and around Bottisham, Burwell, Linton, Littleport, Sawston and Soham. During their activities they meet new friends, learn new skills and start 'feeling better'.

People are referred on to the project by their GP or social worker and placed in activities by Health for Life project workers. Volunteers from the local community transport and support them in their activities. Since the project started, more than 260 people have been referred. Many of the original referrals have now left the project because they have regained their confidence and are too busy doing other things. Some are now volunteers themselves supporting new referrals.

Health for Life referrals do not attend activities set up just for them. They are encouraged to attend activities in the community just like any other member of the public. Over the years, people referred to us have attended a variety of activities such as T'ai Chi, creative writing, computing, painting, woodwork, needlework, pottery, local history, pub lunch clubs, scrabble, keep fit and more. Many of the classes take place in local Village Colleges, as part of the community education programme of lifelong learning.

The programme is entirely grant-aided.

Health for Life is in great demand by the health and social care workers who refer patients on to the project. They find that Health for Life referrals do not contact them so often and have also reduced the amount of medication they take. Health for life is often given as an example of good practice and staff are invited to speak or put up exhibitions at health and social care events and conferences.

Those coming into the programme have a most enjoyable time attending their activities and acknowledge the benefit of being referred onto the project.

For more information on Health for Life, email us using this link or call us at 01223 811664.