After a 4-year hiatus, the Tower Hamlets Together (THT) Partnership felt that it was time to reconnect and reunite across the borough in conjunction with celebrating the 75th birthday of the NHS!
What is THT?
THT is a partnership of local health and social care organisations whose ambition and vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of its people living in the borough. The organisations that make up the partnership are London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH), NHS North East London (NHS NEL), Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service (THCVS), East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), Barts Health, Healthwatch Tower Hamlets, and GP Care Group (GPCG).
The event
Over 600 local health and care staff came together at the return of the THT Summer Fair which took place in the Mile End Hospital Gardens on 20th July 2023. It was fantastic to see such a great turnout as well as the wealth of showcased services, with everyone learning about all of the brilliant work that takes place in Tower Hamlets.
THTs’ staff engagement events are historic and the fair certainly lived up to this accolade! There were over 40 stalls present including Community Health/Continence Service, Princes Trust (support for 16-30 year olds), Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), Greening the NHS/Park run, Doctor Digital and ELFT's Long COVID Service, LBTH Reablement Service, Care Technology in Tower Hamlets, Information, Advice & Early Help and Adult Social Care Strategy and Vision.
Bunting swayed in the cool breeze giving the event a real festival feel, music tinkled in the air creating quite a buzzy atmosphere. The food stall provided a light lunch that staff could enjoy on the grass in the sunny picnic area, and there was array of interactive activities, merchandise and games that kept everyone entertained. 3 wellbeing areas were also available and staff enjoyed treatments to rejuvenate the body and soul.
THT was absolutely thrilled that it’s Independent Chair Amy Gibbs could attend. Amy happily judged the best stall, presenting a hamper to the winners and officially cut the NHS75 cake for everyone to enjoy a slice in celebration.
We received positive feedback on favourite experiences/moments on the day.
“Meeting colleagues from other services, being able to catch up and make some new connections”
“Healthy eating stall where they had 'play your cards right' quiz, very informative”
“It’s always great when people can come together to celebrate and recognise the hard work of others. Also promoting healthcare”
“Interacting with services that we already use and those we can work with. Meeting people face to face who I've only met over teams”
What’s next?
A number of projects are in the planning phase including the THT Staff Induction Programme, and its 1st Recruitment Fair!
Thank you to all staff who were able to attend whether to enjoy the afternoon or showcase their services – check out the official video here!