Partnership in practice

A new way of partnership working is being launched in Dumfries and Galloway, which aims to introduce welfare rights and money advice clinics in to GP Practices across the region.

The Welfare Advice and Health Partnership (WAHP), between Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS), the Mull of Galloway Medical Practice, Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership and Dumfries and Galloway Council, aims to embed welfare rights and money advisers within general practice, offering support with a range of subjects such as debt resolution, housing, income maximisation, social security and employment issues, in settings which are familiar, accessible, non-stigmatising and trusted.

The first of what is hoped will be many such advice clinics will start at the Mull of Galloway Practice in Drummore, from Monday 30^th September, featuring a dedicated adviser from D&G CAS based in the surgery on the fourth Monday of each month.

Practice Manager Tracy Hose said, “As we are in a very rural location, we are looking forward to welcoming D&G CAS into the practice. It’ll be a great benefit to our patients to have the opportunity to use the advice service within our Practice area.”

 “We hope this is the beginning of a great partnership with our local GP Practices,” said Dan Baillie, D&G CAS Stranraer Bureau Manager, “It is a vital service, which will deliver sometimes life-saving advice in the places it is most needed. Health care and wellbeing support are mutually beneficial and it is often the case that helping someone deal with the stress of a situation can help to avoid health issues further down the line. It is also all part of our commitment to make it easier for people across the region to access vital advice, regardless of their circumstances or location, in the right place, at the right time and in the right way.”

Grecy Bell, Deputy Medical Director for Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, said, “We know that poverty and financial worry is a fundamental cause of persisting health inequality. Early access to advice can make a dramatic difference to people’s financial situation and prevent issues escalating. More financial security can offer more choice, more control and more hope.

“We welcome this initiative and a partnership approach where the welfare and financial advisors will work closely with the practice team and other community support such as Community Link Workers, able to provide advice and assistance on a range of social welfare and financial issues.”