In a masked in-person meeting this week, our town's MP David Rutley, met with the Healthbox Community Connector for Macclesfield, Tracy Stubbs.

The introductory meeting also served as a way to thank her for all that she is doing to support vulnerable people in our area, and learn more about the team's important work.

Healthbox is a Cheshire-founded organisation started by NHS workers who an opportunity to take a community-led approach health promotion.

They run lifestyle services to aid wellbeing, such as baby weaning sessions, physiotherapy, falls prevention for the elderley, school workshops covering healthy eating to alcohol and drug awareness, along with adult yoga and mindfulness sessions.

Healthbox is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that supports local residents who are vulnerable or in crisis, offering guidance on a range of issues, including loneliness, financial problems, housing concerns, and mental health and wellbeing support.

Many of those who seek assistance feel overwhelmed by the difficulties they face, so Tracy and her colleagues help them by connecting them with organisations that can help to overcome their challenges.

This holistic, one-stop approach has seen this work go from strength to strength.

Already a much-valued service before coronavirus, their model flourished as people sought extra help with the pressures of the pandemic.

Tracy explained how Community Connectors have supported over 300 people across Cheshire East, since March 2020, often providing life-changing help that empowers people to improve their situation.

The team is also growing, with five people now based across Macclesfield and Crewe.

As well as individuals, organisations in Macc also benefit from Healthbox CIC services, such as Belong Macclesfield care home, of Kennedy Avenue, and Hurdsfield's The Green in the Corner.

Our town's 60-year-old MP learned that the team are focussed on maintaining the momentum of the past year, by expanding the services that they offer and partnering with other statutory agencies and third sector organisations in the local area.

Their aim is to build a strong network of support services that can assist local people with a range of different issues, leading to genuine, meaningful and positive change in their lives.

Anyone who would like help from a Healthbox Community Connector, or who would like to make enquiries about support for a friend, neighbour or relative, can contact Tracy by telephone on 07858 276 008, or by email at [email protected].

Speaking after the meeting, David said, "It's clear the pandemic has put huge pressure on many people's health and wellbeing.

"That's why Tracy's work in our communities is more important than ever. She and her colleagues are turning many local people's lives around, empowering them to better deal with the challenges they face and tackling loneliness across our area.

"The Healthbox team's approach makes a positive difference and I look forward to working with them in the coming year."

Their presence in Macclesfield will expand in 2022.

More details about Healthbox's work and the organisations they partner with can be found online.

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Macclesfield: Have you signed up for our Friday weekly newsletter? It contains each week's top 10 Macclesfield news stories, and one FREE exclusive article?

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