Home care service Walfinch Swindon and Marlborough has launched The Thrive Community Network, where health and care professionals meet to support each other in improving local health and social care.
 
Sarah Stanbrook, Managing Director of Walfinch Swindon and Marlborough, and founder of the network, says: “It’s open to anyone involved in the elder care sector.  So far our meetings have attracted social prescribers, phlebotomists, a coordinator from Live Well Swindon [the council-funded health and wellbeing service] and someone from Dressability, a local independent charity which provides adapted clothing for people with disabilities and limited dexterity.
 
“At the meetings we talk about what we all do, the services we provide, and explore ways to support each other in caring for local people.  It means we all understand better the services that are available, and having known contacts makes it easier to access them.  We also talk about any current changes so everyone stays up to date.  It all helps us provide the best services for clients with fewer delays.
 
“The network also welcomes GPs, occupational therapists, and other health and care professionals dedicated to creating a local community in which anyone can thrive, whatever their capabilities.”
 
The Thrive Community Network meetings are free of charge and take place from 10-11.30am on Thursdays at Unit 12A Berkeley House, Hunts Rise Swindon SN3 4TG.  The next one is in September, but interested people can get in touch now via the Walfinch Swindon and Marlborough website or follow the business on LinkedIn for updates.
 
Free activities promote wellness for all
Sarah and her team also run two Thrive Clubs, which offer free seated exercise sessions to the general public, taken by professional instructor Maisie Burrows.  About 20 people attend the 10.30 Tuesday sessions in Highworth Community Centre and around ten the 12.30 Wednesday session at Kingsdown Retirement Village.
 
“The sessions are increasingly popular, and include free refreshments and a chance to chat, so they provide physical and mental health activities and a social opportunity, all of which are proven to boost wellbeing,” says Sarah.
 
Walfinch Swindon and Marlborough is also working towards the launch of a memory cafe alongside Swindon Carers Trust, a charity which supports unpaid carers.
 
Community networking
Sarah says: “Networking was initially new for me, because I worked in administration at The Walfinch head office before I invested in the Walfinch franchise for Swindon and Marlborough.
 
“Networking was a steep learning curve, but because this is a franchise I have had support and encouragement from our Senior Franchisee Support Manager Julie Farrow and Walfinch Chief Executive Amrit Dhaliwal. Now I enjoy building my network.”
 
Sarah, who runs her business flexibly around her family, including sons Jack, 14, and Henry, 11, says: “I now employ a team of six carers who care for people in their own homes, and networking and community activities mean the business is growing steadily as Walfinch becomes increasingly well known in this area.”

For franchise opportunities with Walfinch visit walfinchfranchising.com. For home care services visit walfinch.com.