L-R: Paul Tolley (Chief Executive, WCAVA), Mark Pawsey MP, Alison Orr (Rugby Locality Manager/WCAVA Training Manager/ConnectWELL Lead) and Jackie Skipp (Wellbeing Coordinator, ConnectWELL)
Rugby & Bulkington MP Mark Pawsey met with local service, ConnectWELL, who work to put local residents in touch with services that can improve their mental health and wellbeing.
ConnectWELL works with individuals working to improve their mental health by linking them to community activities and groups whilst providing them with the appropriate support to move forward. As well as working closely with local GPs, ConnectWELL offers a personalised buddy-system supporting those lacking in confidence to pursue their interests and get involved in the wider community.
People looking for support can be signposted to over nine hundred Voluntary and Community Sector activities in Rugby and 98% of their patients would recommend their service. Their inspirational work was rewarded earlier this year when they won Team of the Year at Rugby FM’s Pride of Rugby Awards.
Mark said:
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet the team at ConnectWELL to hear about the valuable work they are doing to support and encourage individuals to get out and meet new people. After listening to some inspiring success stories, it is obvious that ConnectWELL can positively change the lives of people here in Rugby.”
Mark continued:
“Rugby has a great sense of community spirit and during my time as the town’s Member of Parliament I’ve met with hundreds of local organisations. These do incredible work throughout the constituency but all too often, those who perhaps most need this support don’t even know that they are there. That is why the work of ConnectWELL is so important and their success at the Pride of Rugby Awards earlier this year was thoroughly deserved.”
Paul Tolley, Chief Executive of Warwickshire CAVA, added:
“We are so proud of our team of employees and volunteers, who work together to help people in Rugby access local activities to improve their health and wellbeing. Individuals are able to choose something that suits them from the vast array of local community provision of support groups, lunch clubs, specialist interest and leisure activities, exercise classes, or advisory services for housing or employment issues.”