St Peter’s Church in De Beauvoir has recruited a professional parish nurse after securing funding off the back of its successful delivery of a weekly warm hub.
Sofia Grace, who is set to be the only parish nurse in Hackney, will begin work in De Beauvoir in the autumn, after a process of assessing the area’s needs that starts in May.
The appointment will, according to the vicar responsible for appointing Ms Grace, help break down the barriers to healthcare, by providing a consistent presence in the community.
“Having a nurse, even in this role which is non-clinical, means that people are more likely to trust the healthcare system,” Father (Fr) Simon Cuff of St Peter De Beauvoir told the Hackney Post.
“They can seek advice about how to access healthcare appropriately. They can have their anxiety lessened by having someone to speak to about what they may have been advised.”
While the exact nature of Ms Grace’s work won’t be determined until after her assessment of the area, it is likely to involve a combination of drop-ins, appointments and health education.
Fr Cuff added that Ms Grace’s appointment would also be a chance to “really work with people around preventative healthcare, particularly about diet and interventions”.
She will work one day a week.
Commenting on being awarded the role, Ms Grace, who has a background in mental health and community nursing, said:
“I’m so excited to be starting with St Peter’s as Parish Nurse and to begin to shape a Parish Nursing service for the benefit of the whole of De Beauvoir Town.
“I really look forward to meeting and getting to know the wonderful people of De Beauvoir Town as the Parish Nursing service is launched over the coming weeks and months. Do say hello!”
Nurse given welcome blessing by Bishop of London
Ms Grace was officially welcomed into the community last Friday (8) at a landmark service for International Women’s Day officiated by the Bishop of London.
In attendance were Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley, Hackney and South Shoreditch MP Dame Meg Hillier, and Emily Thornberry MP, whose constituency will encompass De Beauvoir in the upcoming boundary changes.
The landmark service, at which Ms Grace was given a blessing, was the first time Bishop Sarah had been to St Peter’s Church. It was also the first time she had officiated a service at which the celebrant, Deacon and Alter Servers were all women.
Ms Grace will perform her professional, non-clinical role for at least a year, thanks to funding that St Peter’s Church in De Beauvoir secured due to the success of its weekly warm hub programme, “Warm Welcome”.
But funding for her wages beyond the first year remains uncertain, prompting the church to set up a fundraiser to secure Ms Grace’s long-term future. The crowdfunding page has already hit half of its £18,000 target thanks to the generosity of 21 supporters.
To donate to the crowdfunding campaign, click here: justgiving.com/campaign/stpeterspublichealthappeal
