Sandy Belfitt, Community Action IW’s Health Partnership Officer, knows what it’s like to be diagnosed with a life-changing health condition.

Back in 2010 she had an accident which resulted in a brain injury and permanent changes to her memory and communicating skills.

“For me, my local Headway group was really important – they were able to tell me things that the Neurologist couldn’t, like why do I have chronic fatigue, is it normal to forget people minutes after speaking to them, and will I ever improve?”

The support and advice that she received months, and continues to receive years after the accident, has made Sandy passionate about ensuring that others can get the same support they need for whatever long-term health or mental health condition they are diagnosed with.

In July 2023 Community Action IW, a local voluntary sector support organisation, held their first Health Roadshow at West Wight Community and Leisure Centre with over 20 local health and mental health support groups and organisations attending.

Roadshows have also been held at Bembridge and East Cowes and on Wednesday 6th December there will be a Health Roadshow at The Riverside Centre, Newport from 10am to 1pm.

Open to the public, with the caption “You are not alone” the event will feature nearly 30 health related groups and organisations who can give support and advice on a range of long-term conditions and mental health issues.

Sandy says,

“The Island’s Voluntary Sector has been very supportive of our Health Roadshows. At the December Roadshow we will see representatives from long term condition groups supporting people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and respiratory issues and a range of other long-term and mental health conditions.

“There will be the local Social Prescribers and Well Being coach to chat to.

“We will also have representatives from the NHS to talk about the new Mental Health and Community Trust that is being created and the Community Diagnostic Centre that is being built at St Mary’s Hospital.

“There will be talks on managing breathlessness and entertainment from Ye’s Creative Beats ‘Drumming for Wellbeing’. It will be an informative, yet fun event.”

Community Action are looking for more long-term condition and mental health support groups to attend the event, and to register on their List of Health and Mental Health Groups. Sandy says,

“Community Action compiled a list of health and mental health support groups a few years ago during the My Life A Full Life project but Covid saw many of the very small groups disappear.

“We would like to promote these supportive groups to the NHS and other health and care services and to the public so people are aware that they are not alone with their condition.”

If you are a group or organisation that supports people with a long-term health or mental health condition and you would like to be part of Community Action’s Health Roadshows or be included in the List of Health and Mental Health Groups please contact Sandy Belfitt at [email protected].

Image: Tim Mossholder under CC BY 2.0