On April 12th I’ll be attempting to run the Brighton Marathon in aid of Arch Healthcare. This is my first marathon (and possibly last, as it turns out 26.2 miles is a reeeeally long way). Any and all support is much appreciated to keep these aged knees going as the training miles tick by and the start line looms, to raise as much money as possible to help a wonderful organisation keep doing its thing. Thank you so much ❤️

Arch Healthcare

I am a GP at this not-for-profit surgery in Brighton, which provides specialist healthcare for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Arch is a CIC (Community Interest Company), which is a mash-up of an NHS GP practice, a start up and a charity, set up solely to care for vulnerable people, often with complex medical and psychosocial needs, many of whom have been marginalised by society and often denied access to comprehensive, compassionate care.

We believe no one should be denied the highest standards of healthcare, whatever their circumstances.

As well as our bricks and mortar surgery in central Brighton providing GP and nursing care, we also run community outreach, hospital in-reach and health engagement teams. We are here for anyone who is rough sleeping, in temporary or emergency accommodation, sofa surfing, those seeking asylum, as well as the Gypsy and Traveller communities. We are determined to provide accessible, restorative and compassionate healthcare for these groups, who are battling extremes of poor health, multiple barriers to accessing services, and the grim statistics of those experiencing homelessness in the UK, where the average age of death for a man is 45 and 43 for a woman (ONS 2018).

How your support makes a difference

Whilst our day-to-day work is funded by the NHS, funds raised by our supporters go into providing that extra level of care that our patients need. This can make all the difference to someone experiencing all the trauma and devastating health complications that come with periods of homelessness. For our patients, we act as a point of entry into “the system” – a 'care of' address; an NHS number; a contact for third-sector referrals to foodbanks and charities; a place of safety. We provide all sorts to help keep our patients a little safer and feel cared for, for example:

£10 can buy a summer pack to include sunscreen and a sun hat

£15 can buy warm socks, a hat and other items to help protect someone sleeping rough from the worst of the cold

£25 can buy a 'dignity pack' with toiletries, pyjamas, essential personal items and books or newspapers for patients who need to remain in hospital for a while

Your support will go a long way.

https://archhealthcare.uk/about-us/

Thank you so much ❤️