An innovative new Centre offering a range of vital support services to the town and surrounding areas residents will be launched in the New Year, thanks to outstanding collaborative working with NHS Property Services (NHSPS). NHSPS see this project as a great example of partnership Social Prescribing work for Kent and the South East.
Spencer Goddard (CEO) of Tenterden Social Hub and Lyndsey Webber (Ivy Court Practice Manager) of Ashford Rural PCN approached NHSPS with a unique project proposal for the soon to be vacant East Cross Clinic building, next to the new Ivy Court Surgery which is expected to open in February. Roy Isworth (Chair of Trustees) at Tenterden Social Hub has long been an advocate for fully utilising unused properties in the Town for better medical and social purpose.
Social Hub Chair Roy Isworth explains “The building is absolutely ideal, and such a visible property in the town for this initiative. Tenterden Social Hub will also be relocating its Charity Shop in to the building alongside a Community Café as part of the project.”
Following some positive and forward thinking discussions with NHSPS they, NHSPS, have agreed to fund the capital renovation work themselves, and in addition have offered the premises an initial five-year lease, with reduced terms for year one to help kick start the project.
Susan Swaffer, Regional Partnership Director at NHS PS said “NHS Property Services are delighted to be supporting this wonderful charity and social prescribing initiative which we know will make such a difference to the patients and residents of Tenterden and the wider area. This is one of the many initiatives that NHS PS are supporting nationally as part of our social prescribing campaign, and a key component of how we’re seeking to support the wider NHS in delivering on the Long-Term Plan through wellbeing initiatives.”
Added Spencer Goddard “We are absolutely delighted – it is fantastic support for services which have been highlighted as essential throughout the pandemic and will continue to be in high demand for many years to come. Tenterden Social Hub has been part of the community for 40 years and this is a natural development opportunity for the charity.”
Lyndsey Webber said “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring Health and Social Care together and build on the tremendous footings already in place. This project has the potential to embed essential services as part of our community and the surrounding areas and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”
The new resource is scheduled for opening on 1st April, 2021.
Spencer Goddard, Roy Isworth and Lyndsey Webber have been instrumental in driving this project forward and have been fully supported by Tenterden Town Council, St. Mildred’s Church and the Ashford Rural PCN.
For further information, please contact:
Spencer Goddard - Tenterden Social Hub - Tel: 01580 762882
Roy Isworth - Tenterden Social Hub - Tel: 07585 802154
Lyndsey Webber - Ivy Court Surgery - Tel: 01580 763666
(NHS contact details)