A partnership supporting stronger communities in Medway
Voluntary community sector (VCS) Better Together consortium is a collaboration that provides advice, guidance and support to Medway residents and voluntary sector organisations.
The consortium is supported by Medway Council, working together in new and innovative ways to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Medway.
We'll achieve this by:
- ensuring all people of Medway are supported and listened to
- providing helpful information and advice, at the right time and in the right place
- working with other connecting services and support networks within Medway
- ensuring the vulnerable and hard to reach in Medway can access services and support.
Consortium members
Medway Voluntary Action
Medway Voluntary Action (MVA) provides Medway voluntary community sector organisations with infrastructure and capacity-building to support the sector with volunteering, back-office functions and income generation.
If you’re passionate about your local community or social action, then MVA can help you. Whether you're an established charity, someone thinking about setting up their own community group or simply someone who would like to give a few hours volunteering – then MVA can offer a wealth of support, guidance and encouragement to help you on your journey.
Phone: 01634 812 850
Email: info@mva.org.uk
If there’s anything you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t got the experience to attempt it, volunteering is a great opportunity to challenge yourself while giving something back.
John Hill, local volunteer
Local Healthwatch Medway
Local Healthwatch Medway is an independent service that ensures the views of Medway residents are heard. They can also help if residents need support to find the right health or social care service locally.
If you have used NHS or social care services in Medway recently, then Local Healthwatch Medway want to hear from you. They can use your experience to improve the service for the next person that uses it.
They can also help if you need support to find the right health or social care service for you locally.
Phone for free at any time: 0808 801 0102
Email: enquiries@healthwatchmedway.com
Carers First
Carers First provides guidance and support to all carers at any stage of their caring journey, including to young carers and access to unpaid carers support payments
The Carers Support Service in Medway supports adults and young people who look after a friend or family member who could not manage without their care or support. The care they provide is unpaid. There are many reasons people need care, including illness, disability, frailty, mental health issues or addiction.
Laura cares for her 2 children, one has autism and the other cystic fibrosis. She says:
Without the relentless support and talking to me and my son, we would be a lot worse off, financially and mentally. I have been in touch with a lot of agencies over the years but Carers First were the first organisation to give me the help I really needed.
You do not need to wait until you are struggling to talk to someone about your caring role and the help you can get.
Phone: 0300 303 1555
Email: hello@carersfirst.org.uk
Kent Association for the Blind
Kent Association for the Blind provides support, information, guidance and rehabilitation for all visually impaired residents to live independently.
The service can support you to live more independently if you have a sight impairment. Services are free. They have a range of support to help you, whether it’s advice about your sight condition, training to use a long cane, or information about equipment or technology. Kent Association for the Blind also offers emotional support through befrienders, counselling and peer support.
Phone: 01634 332 929
Email: enquiries@kab.org.uk
Affiliated member
Imago Community
Imago Community provide the Wellbeing Navigation Service, which helps patients navigate through the health, social care and voluntary service, to get the help they need.
'Wellbeing navigators' offer information, advice, and guidance that enables people to remain in their own home, live independently and self-manage. Help is offered through a wraparound service using home visits, face-to-face appointments, phone or email.
Referrals to this service can be made via GP practices, Medway Community Health, voluntary sector or social care professionals. Or residents can self-refer through their website.
Phone: 03000 111 965
Email: MCCG.Carenav-Medway@nhs.net