Personal support

What's the guessing there's someone you know who may need extra support to improve their general health or well-being.  A health buddy can assist people as a first point of contact. It could be anything from taking up walking, controlling smoking, moderating alcohol or just having a chat if someone feels low.

If you're interested in being a health buddy it involves 2 day's training at the farming life centre at blackwell followed by a formal multiple choice test.  By passing the test you'll receive a formal qualification.  This enables you to work closely with a health trainer to help out within your rural community.

Health buddys are volunteers & they're supported by paid health trainers who work for the NHS.  For anyone isolated and in need of moral support to access health & wellbeing they're an ideal local starting point.

Peakdistrictfarming.co.uk's editor carol lloyd joined the training course in may 2009 and found the 2 day's training a really useful insight into the role of a health buddy.
 
As well as some paperwork, there were plenty of interesting demonstrations & group work which made learning easy. 



Ross Stuart & Ann Burnage - enthusiastic trainers






Thinking of volunteering?  Penny Ward coordinates training & volunteers from the farming life centre 01298 85162. 
Making changes or need some support?  Please contact Penny for details about your nearest health buddy.