WELLbeing Works

North Sedgemoor Primary Care Network (Axbridge Surgery, Brent Area Medical Centre, Burnham and Berrow Medical Centre, Cheddar Medical Centre and Highbridge Medical Centre), is working in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) to offer group clinics to selected people living with multiple long-term health conditions.

This page is dedicated to supporting your journey through your group clinics, providing useful information and resources.

Who we are

Claire Hunter (She/Her)

Social Prescribing Manager

T 07305059541

E CHunter@sasp.co.uk

Claire supports and manages the health and wellbeing coaches employed by SASP in various PCN's. Claire also supports the wider network of health coaches and social prescriber link workers to ensure physical activity is embedded across the system.

Steph Moreland (She/Her)

Senior Project Officer for Health & 'In It Together' - Women and Girls Development Officer

T 07526565494

E SMoreland@sasp.co.uk

Steph leads primary care physical activity initiatives, supports the integration of community organisations into clinically lead community appointment days, and co-delivers workforce training. Steph contributes to resources that help adults, including those with long-term conditions, become more active in ways that suit them. Steph also supports women’s health work, promoting inclusive and accessible activity opportunities across the life course.

Dr Matthew Dolman

WELLbeing Works Clinical Lead

Dr Matthew Dolman, North Sedgemoor WELLbeing Works Clinical Lead and General Practitioner with over 30 years experience. Matthew has a passion for place based care and integrated neighbourhood teams working to manage patient care in the community.

Group clinics

Group clinics allow clinicians to review people with similar health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure, together. Sessions typically include 10-12 participants in person or 8-10 online via video. These voluntary appointments offer a secure, confidential space with more time spent with the healthcare team.

Group clinics provide:

More time to discuss shared concerns
Support to manage health and stay well
Advice on prevention and lifestyle changes
Medication review and explanation
Greater access to the healthcare team

They can be delivered face-to-face or online and are a valuable part of the healthcare model. Participants may also choose to attend with a carer or family member.

WELLbeing Works Showcase Video

Benefits to participants

Group clinics work especially well for people with long-term health conditions or those living with similar symptoms and challenges. They help connect people who often feel alone or isolated.

Participants realise everyone is in a similar situation and discussing health and wellbeing issues with other people who understand and can relate to is comforting. People feel supported and less alone.

Participants can learn a lot at group clinics because they get advice and information from the clinician who is reviewing or assessing them and from other people's lived experience and wisdom.

Group discussion

Group clinic discussions are an opportunity for participants to learn from others and get answers to questions they would not have thought to ask.

Topics for discussion may include:

Managing common health issues
Taking similar medicines
Emotional wellbeing
General wellness
Physical activity
Goal setting
Signposting to community groups

Group discussions and sharing experiences is motivating and inspiring. Group clinics help build confidence and support personal resilience.

Sharing experiences can be motivating, helping to build confidence and resilience. Participation is always optional, and no one is put on the spot. All personal information shared is kept confidential, though general ideas can be discussed outside the group unless stated otherwise.

The group clinic flow

Face-to-face sessions last around 90 minutes and are led by a facilitator.

In the second half, the clinician joins to answer questions and speak briefly with each participant about their progress and treatment plan, including medication review. This clinical time lasts 45–60 minutes, averaging about 5 minutes per person.

Not for everyone

Group clinics may not be suitable for everyone. People can decide at any point not to participate in a group clinic and can ask for a separate one-to-one appointment.

Health Walk

As part of the WELLbeing Works group clinic sessions, participants will be invited to take part in a gentle health walk around the venue in Burnham-on-Sea. This Health Walk is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and supportive. The route will be less than a mile, on flat terrain with gentle slopes, no stiles, and plenty of sea air to boost your mood. With frequents stops, this walk is suitable for group participants, including those who often experience breathlessness. This short walk offers a great opportunity to stretch your legs, enjoy some fresh air, and connect with others in the group.