Meet the teams helping the most deprived area
‘If the community did not need us we would not be here’
Despite being placed among the 10% most deprived areas in the UK, Park Wood has been battling to climb up the ranks. Figures from the Ministry of Housing,Communities and Local Government highlighted the statistic, but now those involved in the work behind the figures have revealed the help which is available.
Just last year work finished on a £50million regeneration project spearheaded by Golding Homes, which saw the demolition of 234 flats and shops and building of 202 new homes, shops and community facilities. At the heart of the community is Fusion Healthy Living Centre, in Cobb Way.
Run by Tracey Elmore, Fusion has been rooted within the area for 15 years and is now recognised as a trusted base.
It offers a range of services to residents from a smoking cessation clinic, to sexual health appointments, and even Citizens Advice sessions - all while running a fully functioning cafe.
Mrs Elmore said: “A lot of our mums who come to the cafe were here on day one when we started the sexual health clinic to make sure they were protected.
“Last quarter we saw 30 young people at the sexual health clinic. That is a huge number. If we weren’t here where would they go?” The centre also runs youth groups, healthy cooking classes and takes part in a Home Office initiative called Build a Stronger Britain Together
The scheme is aimed at tackling mental health issues through a number of different courses.
Mrs Elmore added: “Through that we were able to help young people to try and help them cope with their lives. I am not trained but I could see a huge difference.
“When we refurbished the building the youth club members actually came in and told me that it was too good for them. I had to explain they deserved this and that it was to give the community something to be proud of.
One mission the clinic is passionate about is social prescriptions instead of medication. Mrs Elmore said: “Whatever residents need they can come and talk to us,we listen to everyone - from young to old- the oldest resident who sees us is in her 90s.
“We want to get the word out to people we are here to help and you don’t have to be out there suffering alone.”
The centre also takes part in the community surplus scheme, where leftover supermarket products are given to residents.