Publish date: 8 June 2023
Over 50 people from across the health, care and charity sectors came together at a special celebration event to mark the Voluntary,Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations who’ve been funded by a West London NHS Trust grants programme in Hammersmith & Fulham.
The event took place on Wednesday 7 June at The Studio in White City Place and included speakers from various community organisations, as well as local residents, who have benefitted from the programme over the last two years.
An opening address was given by Dr Christopher Hilton, the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer (Local Services) alongside Shad Habitan from Sobus and Jo Baty, Asst Director of specialist support and independent living at Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Delegates heard a series of presentations, including one from Helen Mangan, our Deputy Director of Local & Specialist Services, who articulated some of the key achievements of the community grants programme. For example, 889 people had accessed mental health support through programme partners since April 2022.
Speaking at the opening of the event, Dr Christopher Hilton said:
“What a great turnout to celebrate the success of this excellent funding programme which has really demonstrated the value of joint working with partners outside the NHS to reach a wider community and increase the breadth of support we’re able to offer”.
“The inspiring stories, as well as the numbers, speak for themselves in how effective the use of these funds has been through local,community driven organisations helping reach out to people in need of mental health and wellbeing advice and support across Hammersmith & Fulham. This is exactly in line with the aspirations of the Community Mental Health Framework for Adults and Older Adults, which was the driving principle behind our other community health transformation work in Local Services.”
“Thanks to all the organisations showcasing their work at the event and to colleagues from across the health service, social care and voluntary sector in Hammersmith & Fulham who made this happen – we’re looking forwards to renewing our commitment to this model of care across the three boroughs.”