NHS Health and Wellbeing Services in North Gosforth
As part of our primary care network’s commitment to improving the overall health of our patient population, we are pleased to be able to offer specialist health and wellbeing services to patients.
Our network — North Gosforth Primary Care Network — is a collaborative group of GP practices that gives patients access to expert staff and services.
One such staff member is Alison Eastwood, our Health and Wellbeing Coach.
What is Health and Wellbeing Coaching?
Alison’s main aim is to support, educate, and motivate patients to make positive lifestyle changes.
Depending on an individual’s needs and current health, Hannah can help in several ways.
If, for example, getting more active is the key, then specific coaching from Alison can help people increase their levels safely and discover the physical and mental benefits of moving more.
“My role is to help people improve their health through diet and lifestyle changes. I use my qualifications in nutrition and health coaching to give people the support they need to make changes in their lives.“
— Alison Eastwood
Alison is also a qualified Nutrition Advisor. So, for people who want to eat well or need support to manage their diet because of diabetes, Alison offers support and education on making informed choices that benefit their health.
In addition to proactive support, health and well-being coaching examines the barriers people encounter in their lives and provides them with the tools and knowledge to overcome them.
It’s a non-medical level of support. Alison doesn’t prescribe weight loss treatment or medication.
Alison, Healthworks and North Gosforth GP practices
Alison is employed by Healthworks, an award-winning Newcastle charity that aims to improve people’s health, well-being, and life outcomes.
North Gosforth PCN have commissioned Healthworks and Alison to provide her expert services to patients at all GP practices in our area.
Four main areas of focus
Since starting in her role in November 2023, Alison has been concentrating on these main areas of improvement.
- Action on Diabetes: How to reduce risk and achieve a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise.
- Path to wellbeing: Exploring mental health and developing tools to overcome mild anxiety and depression.
- Getting active: How to increase activity levels safely, setting realistic targets and longer-term benefits.
- Eating well: From learning about nutritional values to portion sizes and how to overcome barriers to healthy eating.
Referrals and getting in touch
Any member of GP practice staff can refer you to Alison, or you can use the online form on Alison’s profile page on our website.
Typically, Alison has an introductory session with each new client she works with. During this initial chat, you’ll discuss your issues and the aims you’d like to achieve. Alison will then work with you to create a personalised plan.
Regular sessions of 30 minutes to an hour allow you to catch up, measure your progress and learn more about living well.
Alison spends most of her time working directly with patients via phone or in person. Some patients prefer the familiarity of their GP practice for sessions or a local coffee shop. Healthworks also has bases in Benwell and Leamington, so there are options to suit everyone.