VOLUNTEERS are needed to support a new project to help improve patients’ wellbeing in Whitehill and Bordon.

Community First, a charity with 600 member organisations, is recruiting people who will be trained to be so-called surgery signposters.

The scheme, backed by NHS Fareham and Gosport and the South Eastern Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Groups, started in Gosport last year and is being rolled out across south East Hampshire.

It involves GPs referring patients to trained volunteers who can direct them to voluntary-sector and other support groups or services to help boost their wellbeing. It will be based at Bordon’s Forest Surgery and begin early next year.

Surgery signposters have helped more than 200 people with a range of issues, from loneliness and housing problems to dietary, nutrition and exercise advice.

The signposters do not offer medical advice but support GP practices by ensuring that people do not miss out on the health and wellbeing-related help and services provided in their community.

Community First development worker Claire Coxwell said: “Volunteers will receive full training and ongoing support and information to ensure they feel confident in their role.

“When a doctor or other health professional feels a patient could benefit from some extra help in their community, the signposter will meet them, listen carefully to their needs and direct them to local organisations which may be able to help. A patient might benefit from attending a lunch club, joining a friendship group or attending a support group.”

Call Ina Allum on 0300 500 8085 or e-mail [email protected].