At an introductory meeting, local MP, David Rutley, met with the Healthbox Community Connector for Macclesfield, Tracy Stubbs, to thank her for all that she is doing to support vulnerable people in our area, and learn more about the team’s important work.

Healthbox is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that supports local residents who are vulnerable or in crisis, offering guidance on a range of issues, including loneliness, financial problems, housing concerns, and mental health and wellbeing support. Many of those who seek assistance feel overwhelmed by the difficulties they face, so Tracy and her colleagues help them by connecting them with organisations that can help to overcome their challenges.

This holistic, one-stop approach has seen this work go from strength to strength. Already a much-valued service before the pandemic, Tracy explained how Community Connectors have supported over 300 people across Cheshire East, since March 2020, often providing life-changing help that empowers people to improve their situation. The team is also growing, with five people now based across Macclesfield and Crewe.

David learned that the team are focussed on maintaining the momentum of the past year by expanding the services that they offer and partnering with other statutory agencies and third sector organisations in the local area. Their aim is to build a strong network of support services that can assist local people with a range of different issues, leading to genuine, meaningful and positive change in their lives.

Anyone who would like help from a Healthbox Community Connector, or who would like to make enquiries about support for a friend, neighbour or relative, can contact Tracy by telephone on 07858 276 008, or by email at tracy@healthboxcic.com. More details about Healthbox’s work and the organisations they partner with can be found online at: www.healthboxcic.com

Speaking after the meeting, David said, “It’s clear the pandemic has put huge pressure on many people’s health and wellbeing. That’s why Tracy’s work in our communities is more  important than ever. She and her colleagues are turning many local people’s lives around, empowering them to better deal with the challenges they face and tackling loneliness across our area. The Healthbox team’s approach makes a positive difference and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.”