On the 12th May we held our first ever Partnership Networking event, generously hosted by the Lewisham Irish Community Centre in Catford. It was a great opportunity to bring together professionals from all of our amazing key partner organisations, as well as from the statutory sector and local voluntary community groups.

We used the morning to outline CCL’s vision and how it works in practice, as well giving our guests the opportunity to connect and network with each other. Using talks, a Q and A, and a screening of our promotional video, members of our team promoted the health benefits of Social Prescribing, clarified how our service works, and shared news of what we’ve achieved so far. This was followed by a highly interactive quiz and a delicious vegan lunch, both aimed at encouraging networking among our partners.

Probably the biggest highlight of the event was the presence of three of our own service users, all of whom have made huge progress in overcoming difficult circumstances through connecting with groups and services in Lewisham. One of these courageously came up to give a live interview, telling us all about the barriers she’s faced and positive difference it has made to her life to have been connected with social groups and practical services she now engages with regularly.