Community Health Partnerships, Medway Community Estates Ltd (LIFTCo), and MA/RR Medway Mutual aid Coffee, Chat and Connect initiative have been shortlisted for The Public/Private Sector Collaboration in Healthcare at the Operational PPP Awards 2025 (www.op3s.com). The Coffee, Chat and Connect sessions are hosted weekly across Rainham Healthy Living Centre and Balmoral Gardens Community Healthy Living Centre.
Each session provides a free breakfast or lunch, aswell as tea, coffee and snacks. They also provide speakers who attend with helpful advice in respect of benefits, security and other user services in the area.
The initiative aims to combat loneliness and isolation for people in the local area and an opportunity to meet new people.
Update: The MA/RR Medway Mutual aid Coffee, Chat and Connect initiative was Highly Commended in the Public/Private Sector Collaboration in Healthcare category at the Operational PPP Awards 2025.
This recognition highlights the impact of partnership and community engagement, with the awards winners announced on 2 December 2025.
Being shortlisted is a testament to the strength of collaboration and the positive outcomes achieved through the MA/RR Coffee, Chat and Connect initiative.
In a significant gesture of support, Medway Community Estates (LIFTCo) has chosen to donate £1,500 to MA/RR’s charitable activities in Medway, instead of using the funds to attend the awards ceremony. This decision reinforces their commitment to making a tangible difference in the local community in Kent.
Having the MA/RR friendship groups running in our sites is incredibly important. They provide a safe space for connection and support, which is vital for wellbeing. To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award is an honour and reflects the dedication of everyone involved in making these initiatives thrive.
MA/RR Medway mutual aid (www.mutualaidmedway.org.uk) work across the community in Medway to ensure that no one is left isolated or alone. Their aims are:
- To bridge the gap of isolation with simple kindness and friendship.
- To reduce loneliness.
- To protect our vulnerable residents.
- To reconnect communities across Medway.
- To connect existing organisations
MA/RR Medway achieve these goals through an extensive Community Outreach Programmes including Walk and Talk, Befriending, shopping for housebound people, as well as the Coffee, Chat and Coffee initiative. Each session brings people together in a safe and fun environment to facilitate friendship creation and nurturing.
CHP’s Buildings at the Heart of the Community initiative
Community Health Partnerships’ “Buildings at the Heart of the Community” initiative is driving significant social value from the healthcare estate. By actively welcoming clinical teams, local community groups, and charities to use health centres for health and wellbeing events, we are directly supporting the NHS 10 Year Plan’s focus on prevention and ensuring our buildings benefit everyone in the local area.
Read more: Social Value
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