The Social Engagement Pathway, with the University of Plymouth 2nd Year Medical Students is in full swing, and our 18 project groups are beginning to meet their host organisations. Each group is tasked with the opportunity to discover, design and deliver a health intervention that meets the needs of their host organisation.

We are excited to be working with some new hosts this year; including Plymouth YMCA, who run a vast array of projects, including a community garden, a mentoring group and a project that tackles social isolation in Honicknowle. The host lead, Sarah Newberry, talked to the students about the Elders group that offers social events for the older community. The students loved hearing that as well as improving wellbeing for those involved it has led to a new romance!

Our students were impressed when meeting Vee from the Kintsugi Project based at the Leadworks, a brilliant community space in Stonehouse run entirely by volunteers. The students witnessed the value of making a space homely and welcoming for the community. They offer support around social isolation, food poverty, have a community radio station, and a community garden in Keyham that produces fresh produce for the food larder.

We also received a fantastic welcome at the National Trust, Saltram House. For most of the students it was their first visit to the site. The students were keen to learn about the community work that Saltram House are delivering. Kevin and Kat explained the benefits of the green space which is free and open to all and a project that will have pop up warm spots in the property to tackle social isolation and engage local people who may not access Saltram. The students have been invited back for an experience session where they can have a cookout around woodland fire, which they’re very excited about!

We are really looking forward to the remaining visits where students are able to see first hand all the valuable work that these diverse community settings are offering to the residents of Plymouth.