New social prescribing hub opens in Canvey Island

The Mayor and Mayoress of Castle Point, Martin and Dawn Tucker; Rebecca Harris MP Castle Point; The Town Mayor of Canvey Island, Doreen Anderson and Consort, John Anderson; Steven Cole the Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council; Angela Hutchings, CEO of Castle Point Borough Council and Ray Howard, Freeman of the Borough, were amongst the guests invited.

This occasion presented an opportunity for CAVS to showcase the premises, the lovely garden area and the excellent office facilities.  Importantly, it also highlighted how CAVS is working closely in partnership with the NHS in supporting local residents to have access to services both clinical and non-clinical, in one building. 

Janis Gibson, Chief Executive, CAVS thanked guests for attending the event and addressed the importance of how the Primary Care Network, GP Practices and other partnerships are already successfully working with CAVS teams to support so many people each year with advice, guidance and more.  Janis referred to the work of the social prescribers, CAVS Ways to Wellness, Family Mentoring, Befriending, Inspire Women’s Network and BuddyUp services and further commented: “We are delighted to have this facility on Canvey Island as CAVS have supported local Canvey Island residents for many years. Our presence here not only gives our teams a professional setting  to work from but importantly, it will be far easier for local people to have accessibility to CAVS services and support on their doorstep.”

Rhea Horlock, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at NHS Property Services said, "We are thrilled to have played a part in the development of the new CAVS office premises, and are proud to have worked in partnership with the organization to provide a facility that will greatly benefit the local community. The new office space will not only provide a professional setting for the CAVS team to work from, but will also make it easier for local residents to access the organization's vital services and support on their doorstep. We look forward to continuing to work closely with CAVS and other partners to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the local community."

CAVS guests congratulated CAVS on its vital work, the superb location and the NHS for supporting this initiative. They too commented on the excellent facility, CAVS work and the significant impact that it has, together with its membership in helping to improve the overall health and wellbeing of local people to address some of the life challenges that many have.

CAVS relies on the goodwill of local people to help others who are often in need of some form of assistance. If you would like to consider volunteering and wish to learn more about the amazing roles and opportunities, as well as joining the friendly CAVS team, then please contact: 01268 214000 or email: volunteering@cavsorg.uk for further information.