St Thomas' Parish Church - Parish Nurse Initiative
People: Helping older people feel connected
We wish to use the good work that has gone before as a springboard to help as many elderly in the community as we possibly can, plus continue partnerships and preventative practice.
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About this cause
The Parish Nurse initiative based at St Thomas' Church Stopsley is overseen by a registered nurse who volunteers her time to give medical advice, signposting, examples of best practice and support to everyone in the local area – irrespective of faith (or none), background or ethnicity. Such is the success of the Wednesday "surgery" that making an appointment is highly recommended. We advertise our Parish Nurse in a variety of ways such as posters at the local library, school and supermarkets as well as online and attendance at medical festivals appearing in Luton. In addition the Parish Nurse arranges a monthly wellbeing coffee morning, a health and wellbeing fair each July, a cancer support group, a twin group and an Alzheimer's group. Our overall goal is health for everyone.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Preventative advice and signposting to make a real difference to those who are the most vulnerable in our society. Signposting best practice today saves use of scant and expensive medical time and resources later. The project will enable older people to be as independent for as long as medically appropriate, fostering social cohesion and sense of community and dealing together with issues. We are clear: we will not provide services subject to statutory provision. We complement. Practical help is to the forefront too – regular wellbeing screening and blood pressure testing are all offered by our Parish Nurse. We hope to be of service to our community, irrespective of faith, ethnicity or background. We offer our services through the accreditation of Parish Nursing Ministries.