Managing life with a health condition isn't always easy. We know that understanding and keeping track of medications, treatments, tests and appointments with healthcare professionals are important, but also that a health condition affects our emotions, how we feel about ourselves, our social life, hobbies and day to day routines at home. Feeling confident managing all of that can be a challenge.

At  Moordown Medical Centre,  we have a health coach as part of our team. Clinical healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses can be really important to help us manage the medical aspects of our health, and health coaches can help us manage the emotional and practical impact in our day to day life.

The health coach is there to support people with health conditions to feel more confident, and have lots of experience talking about a whole range of subjects:

• managing pain and fatigue
• preparing for appointments
• accessing information to understand conditions and treatments
• feeling more confident getting out and about
• building a network of support around you
• accepting and coming to terms with having a health condition

Our health coach is based  at The Moordown Medical Centre on Wednesdays each week and is part of our team here to support you. Lots of patients and their carers say how hard it is when healthcare professionals only have ten minutes, but health coaches have up to 45 minutes for each session to listen to you and support you.

Sessions with our health coach might be for you if:

• you have a long term health condition or are a carer for someone with a health condition
• don't feel very confident about coping with your health condition
• would like the chance to talk to someone for more than 10 minutes who is focussed on seeing you as a whole person.

Your GP Practice nurse or any member of the reception team can refer you to see the Health Coach, so if you are interested in this, please mention it to one of the team at Moordown Medical Centre. 

Parks in Mind

Parks in Mind are a small but perfectly formed independent charity devoted to enhancing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Parks breathe life into our towns providing our communities with precious spaces to get together, exercise and play. Parks in Mind provides fun nature conservation and other outdoor activities to help improve your health and wellbeing.

The project creates free volunteering opportunities suitable for anyone looking to improve their health, meet new people and learn new skills. The emphasis is on providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while taking part in practical and sociable outdoor activities to improve the environment.

With a focus on nature conservation, green exercise and other activities, you’ll enhance your own wellbeing while making improvements to local parks for people and wildlife. It also includes elements of nature study, art in the environment, relaxation and confidence building workshops. You choose the activities you want to take part in and work to your own limits. No prior knowledge is required, with the chance to learn from both the project leaders and the other people taking part.

Sessions take place in:

• Horseshoe Common, Bournemouth
• Kings Park, Bournemouth
• Shelley Park, Boscombe
• Woodland Walk, Southbourne
• Boscombe Overcliff Nature Reserve

There’s fun nature conservation, gardening, wildlife walks, art in the park, mindfulness practices and a sprinkling of archaeology and astronomy. This month also sees the start of a wonderful nature-inspired lino printing course – see the programme and attached flyer for details. Please feel free to share this programme through your networks and to anyone you think may benefit from coming along.  There are new events for April

More information

If you’d like to find out more contact our Project Leader, Peter Holloway:

• Tel: 07458039397
• Email: peter@parksfoundation.org.uk or click on the link below to access their website.

Parks in Mind website and Events Flyer October 24 Programme