Everything you need to know as Beacon of Light hosts event to support people living with chronic health issues
“The event is a great opportunity to learn about the support available”
People living with long-term health conditions are being invited to attend a free education and information event in Sunderland.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a Long Term Conditions Education Event at the Beacon of Light this Thursday, September 10.
The event will offer those who have conditions, as well as their friends and family, a chance to learn more about the support and services on hand to help them.
It is also aimed at helping people find out what they can do to look after their health and wellbeing.
The drop-in event will run from 10am to 2pm. Visitors will be able to chat to a wide range of healthcare professionals, support services and community organisations.
The session will be focused on prevention, education, support and advice. It follows on from a success of a similar day held in South Tyneside in March.
The Beacon will welcome NHS teams who help patients with COPD, heart disease, heart failure, diabetes and bladder and bowl issues.
Services will include Recovery at Home and Hospital at Home, the Assessment of Breathing Clinic Team, Stop Smoking Sunderland Service and Weight Management Team, and Talking Therapies.
Representatives who help people with drug and alcohol issues will be in attendance as well as pharmacists to help people discuss their medications, whilst dieticians will also offer their advice.
Heathwatch and Age Concern will be among some of the other the organisations represented.
Simone Rowlands is the Trust’s Project Lead for Cardiac Rehab and has co-ordinated the event.
She said: “We are delighted that this event will bring together such a wide range of services and organisations in one place. We have had a fantastic response from teams wanting to get involved.
“It will really highlight the wealth of support available across South Tyneside and Sunderland. Whether you are living with a long-term condition, caring for someone who is or simply want to find out more about looking after your health and wellbeing, we would encourage you to come along.
“The event is a great opportunity to learn about the support available. People can ask questions, get practical advice and connect with people who really know their stuff, as well as organisations that can help people live well with their condition.”
As well as providing valuable information for patients and carers, organisers hope the event will create networking opportunities between services, helping to strengthen links across the local health and care system.
Parking is free next to the Stadium of Light for two hours, after which people need to pay via an the Evology app. The Trust also has its Eye Imaging Hub on the ground floor of the Beacon of Light.