Residents hail Community Connect a success

Residents in the south of the Isle of Man has hailed a Community Connect event a success after it delivered in bringing care closer to home.

For the first time, the health and care community initiative was held at Thie Rosien in Port Erin.

Ross Keat, a consultant from Public Health Isle of Man, said the aim was to show that help is readily available in each part of the island and not just "centred around Douglas or the hospital".

For Doreen Christian, who faces lonlieness and isolation in the darker colder months, a meeting with the Southern Befrienders means she will not be lonely this winter.

"I recieved a message from my GP to attend and I arrived not expecting much but I leave with the forms to join the group," she said.

She added: "I am excited and looking forward to going out, building friendships and improving mental health."

The event saw officials and consultants from the Department of Health and Social Care, Manx Care and Public Health engage with residents.

Another resident, Glenda Tasker from Castletown said she attended to get help from the health bodies after failing to get responses from a consultant about a follow up appointment.

Jill Hinds from Port Erin found out about the event from the Isle of Man Foodbank.

"I think what is on offer here is incredible," she said.

She added: "They have the Citizens Advice Bureau, carers and people to talk to."

Hind said she would attend the community hub more often: "I have seen people playing games at the front previously but now it feels very much community-orientated because you've got Manx Care, Public Health and citizens advice."

Keat said the event is all about showing the community that access and support was always available.

"Some of the biggest influences on our health sit outside of the healthcare system and it is things like loneliness, social isolation, financial pressures and these can impact on peoples health and wellbeing," he said.

He added events like these allow public health to address wider factors of health as well as ensuring that people know where to go.

"The way that I like to see it is it doesn't matter if you are having trouble paying your bills or if your leg hurts, I want you to be able to access care in a safe, accessible way, see the right person at the right time in the right place," he said.

He added improving someone's health does not begin with a medical appointment but through events which begin conversations and connections.

"It is all about reducing barriers people face and ensuring people can access the right person, at the right place and the right time."

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