The hidden heroes that make up Hull’s voluntary and community sector are coming together for a health and wellbeing event to showcase how they can support you – and what you can do to help them too. With public sector services under pressure, the vital support offered through local charities and voluntary organisations is now more important than ever. As part of an NHS initiative called Hull Champions, Hull Health and Care Partnership is working with local charities, support groups and community organisations to champion its vision to create a healthier Hull.
At North Point Shopping Centre this April, the partnership will be joined by organisations such as Age UK, Freedom Stroke Group, ReNew drugs and alcohol service, Arting, Yap & Yarn and Endometriosis Hull, to share how they can support people in Hull to live a healthier, happier life.
This is also your opportunity to get involved and support local groups, find out about volunteering and fundraising opportunities or how you can help to spread the word about the support the offer.
Chris Mills, who leads the Hull Champions programme in Hull, said: “We have the most incredible and motivated voluntary sector in Hull who work every day to improve the lives of local people. Throughout the pandemic, it became even more evident just how vital this work is, and how what they do directly impacts NHS targets and takes pressure off NHS services every day.
“We want to give local people the opportunity to learn more about these amazing organisations and groups so they can see just how easy it is to reach out for support if they need it.”
Sarah Weichardt, Neighbourhood Network, said: “The Neighbourhood Network has been a member of the NHS Hull Champions for five years now. Attending the health and wellbeing event will give us the opportunity to recruit volunteers, especially for our Menopaus’ull project, raise awareness of our charity with the public and showcase the benefits of being a member along with networking with other NHS Hull Champion members.”
Linda Conway, Guide Dogs Hull, said: “Being involved in the health and wellbeing event is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the work of Guide Dogs and the services we offer. As well as our guide dog partnerships, we provide support and services for individuals, families and young people living with sight loss to help them live the life they choose. Our dedicated network of volunteers is vital to the charity and the event will give us an opportunity to recruit more, including puppy raisers and sighted guides, to help us support visually impaired people across Hull.”
The event will take place on Tuesday 18 April at North Point Shopping Centre in Hull from 10am to 4pm.