New group to help bereaved make new friends in Bognor Regis

The Befrienders is being launched on September 1 at West Meads Surgery and will be held on the first Wednesday of each month.

Set up by the Friends of West Meads Surgery, and with the full backing of the practice's doctors, the group hopes to encourage anyone who is a patient of the surgery to pop in for a welcoming cup of tea and a friendly chat between midday and 2pm.

Sandra Stevenson, the Friends' chairman, said she hoped the group would 'take on a life of its own'.

It is open to all ages and could grow to include a variety of activities and events.

"It is something that has been in the pipeline for some time. We wanted to run a service for people who feel lonely for whatever reason. It's a place for people to get together and chat.

"Everyone is welcome and once the group is up and running we hope to be able to put on small lunches and organise coach trips as well as walks and craft sessions," said Mrs Stevenson.

Meanwhile, fundraising for the Friends to provide equipment for the benefit of patients has continued through the summer.

A tombola at the Aldwick Tea on the Green event organised by Aldwick Conservation Society raised 83 and another successful tombola and cake stall at West Meads Picnic Fair on The Queen's Field raised 185.35.

The group recently bought a baby changing unit for the surgery at a cost of 250.

This year sees the tenth anniversary of the opening of West Meads Surgery on The Precinct and the practice continues to expand. Five new consulting rooms have been added and equipped with medical couches provided by the Friends.

Another room for use as an aid to training and meetings, among them The Befrienders, has also been added to the recently extended surgery.

The practice has five GPs and two registrars who are trainee GPs. Medical students from Southampton Medical School also attend as part of their training.

A new nurse-led service at the surgery for minor injuries is open to all between 9am and 11am weekdays.

For more information about The Befrienders contact the surgery on 01243 873980.