The Parchmore Medical Centre has launched a new  programme aimed empowering the community in Thornton Heath to take an holistic approach to health and fitness.

The project is being delivered as part of a partnership with its Patient Participation Group, St Paul’s Church, The Parchmore Centre, and Age Concern Croydon on Brigstock Road.

This is the start of a much wider social prescribing initiative where GP practices work in partnership to provide options and signposting for patients to be able to link in to more sustainable options for self health management.

This can be around fitness classes, health education, assistance with issues such as counselling, homelessness, training, housing advice and other issues.

The first health class associated with this programme has started at St Paul’s Church and is a FREE fitness class for the over 50’s on a Tuesday between 11am and 12 noon.

Advertised in last month’s Chronicle the senior classes have seen numbers grow from eight to 35 people attending in just three weeks, as you can see in our picture.

All over 50’s are welcome so please just drop by and join instructor Janey Williams for the class and a chance to socialise.

Two more health sessions will commence in the coming weeks, at the Parchmore Centre and Age UK centre.

The funds for the initial classes has come from the council’s community ward budget fund.

*Parchmore medical centre is holding a number of events to coincide with Patient Participation Awareness week between June 19 and 24.

There will be lifestyle talks, diabetes management sessions, a workshop on breast cancer, mental health and being a carer.

For more information visit: wwwparchmoremedicalcentre.co.uk

For more information contact the medical centre on: 0208 251 4220