Three local charities, Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Care Network Cambridgeshire and Caring Together are bringing together their expertise to support more people to leave hospital safely, aid independence, and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and re-admissions.
The new partners met on Friday 9 June 2023 to officially launch the Voluntary Sector Alliance – the first of its kind in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Collectively the charities recognised the need for a co-ordinated single point of access so that patients, carers, and health professionals can easily access local voluntary and community support.
The alliance has been funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care (ICS) to develop its operating model and programme of support during 2023/24, which will improve the integration and coordination of services for our population.
The charities are already working together to provide support to people in need, with a full launch of the service planned for this autumn.
Miriam Martin, Chief Executive of Caring Together, said, “This alliance will build on the tremendous work already provided by the well-established partners’ services, and produce more accessible support solutions for people when they need us most. The joined-up approach adds value and creates a stronger resource for patients, carers, and health professionals, which we will work together to develop over time.”
Melanie Pittock, Chief Executive of Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said, “We are delighted that the Voluntary Sector Alliance has been recognised by the Integrated Care System (ICS) with the potential to help solve hospital discharge issues. We welcome the opportunity to work even closer with our health professional colleagues.”
Susie Willis, CEO of Care Network Cambridgeshire, said, “The voluntary sector provides crucial support to local people and communities, and the new alliance is an opportunity to expand our impact to create a stronger, better-resourced sector for the future.”
Stacie Coburn, Executive Director, Performance and Assurance at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, part of the ICS said, “We welcome the Voluntary Sector Alliance partnership and the access to integrated support and services it will provide. By working together we know we can improve the experience we provide for our local people and communities.”
Pictured: Lynette Hurren – Voluntary Sector Alliance programme director, Care Network Cambridgeshire, Miriam Martin – Chief Executive, Caring Together, Melanie Pittock – Chief Executive of Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough)
