Mid and South Essex Anchor Programme
In collaboration with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, we have launched a new and innovative programme called ‘Anchor’ to show how local hospitals can make their neighbourhoods healthier, happier and greener. We all do excellent work in providing healthcare and services every day, but there is even more we can do to support our communities in Basildon, Southend and Chelmsford.
The Anchor Programme is about large organisations investing back into their communities and is a concept fully supported and endorsed by NHS England and the Health Foundation. As one of the largest employers in the region, this ambitious new programme will enable us to understand better how our Trust can be a force for good by using our assets and influence to bring about change.
By teaming up with health and care partners, local Councils and the voluntary and education sector, we can reduce our environmental impact and create exciting and innovative employment, volunteering, internship and network opportunities for those we serve.
Our Partners
Generation Medics
We are partnering with Generation Medics, a multi-award-winning social enterprise, to support young people in Basildon to think about healthcare as a future career through their Virtual Healthcare Academy.
Students aged 13-19 are able to attend workshops, gain virtual work experience and also receive online support and mentoring. This academy provides a fantastic opportunity to empower and raise the aspirations of our next generation of healthcare professionals.
Supported Internship Programme
We have also partnered with South Essex College to offer a brand-new Supported Internship for 12 students with learning disabilities and/or Autism. The nine-month programme offers students the unique opportunity to rotate across up to three different departments within Basildon Hospital.
The internship will provide a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and will be supported by a mentor and job coach throughout. By providing real-life work experience this internship will help these students make a successful transition from school to productive adult working life.
The programme has currently focused on the Basildon area but is now expanding across the whole of our Trust in coming months. It is through established partnerships like these that we can continue to seek new ways to improve the wellbeing of our staff and local communities.
For further information about Anchor institutions:
https://www.essexfuture.org.uk/boards-networks/anchor-institutions
For Further information on the Mid and South Essex Anchor Programme, please contact;
Kevin Garrod, Anchor Programme Manager, [email protected]