Streatham health centre helps local people to better health

A health centre in Lambeth that has provided healthcare to thousands of people in the five years since it opened is celebrating with a family open day. Gracefield Gardens Health and Social Care Centre is holding the event on Friday 14 December, 10am to 4pm.

Gracefield Gardens, which was opened in December 2007 by Lambeth Primary Care Trust and Lambeth Council, was the first neighbourhood centre to open in Streatham. It brought together a range of GP and other health services, voluntary sector and council services under one roof.

The centre - which has provided more than 100,000 contacts with patients - offers a range of community health services including antenatal care, podiatry services for people with foot problems, support for children with special needs and disabilities, and services for vulnerable people such as refugees.

At the open day on December 14, local people will have the chance to find out more about staying fit and healthy with a range of activities including weight-loss and Zumba classes, information on giving up smoking and there will be entertainment such as face painting for younger patients.

Angela Dawe, Director of Operations for Community Services said: "Gracefield Gardens has become a very important part of the Streatham community. It is a warm and welcoming environment, offering local people a 'one-stop shop' to better health care and advice. The open day will be a fun event for all the family and a great opportunity to find out more about staying healthy and the services we offer."