What Can The PSSG Offer?
Friendly Volunteers
Some Volunteers want to offer basic practical help: someone to contact in an emergency, someone to talk to, someone to provide transport, someone to help with shopping, someone to look after pets. Volunteers contribute in many different ways.
Monthly Meetings
These are held in the Pulham Market Memorial Hall every third Tuesday of the month at 2.00 pm.
Some volunteers take special responsibility for inviting guest speakers to discuss specific health topics. On these occasions volunteers may be involved in any of the following:
• Hosting the speakers and guests
• Arranging tables and chairs
• Providing refreshments
• Organising a monthly raffle to help cover costs
• Providing transport to and from meetings
• Handing out information
• Recording attendance for audit purposes and noting any special requests
Informal Meetings
These may take place between friends and neighbours, especially when newcomers need to make friends. Some members discover they share similar interests or want to develop hobbies.
A Confidential Survivors Support Group
This was set up for those suffering from the effects of abuse. The group met regularly for 5 years and was run by two registered nurses. It offered members the opportunity to work through their feelings and the nurses were able to develop a greater understanding of the long-term implications. The group was disbanded when members could manage without it. For more information, contact Lorna Pyke, Practice Sister, Church Hill Surgery (01379 676227).
Home Equipment Loan Project (H.E.L.P.)
This offered immediate access to care aids for temporary use by patients suffering from temporary injury or illness, but was discontinued when the NHS could offer assessments and advice to all those needing equipment.
Other Groups
In the past, PSSG volunteers have been involved in a Smokers’ Cessation Group and a Weight Wise Group. Church Hill Surgery provides support in both of these areas on an individual basis and can also offer Exercise Referrals to local sports centres.
The PSSG has been instrumental in the development of support for carers in South Norfolk, and continues to promote the use of Carers Information Packs and referral for Carers Assessments via Social Services.