Croydon's "pioneering" community hub in Thornton Heath has marked its first birthday after supporting hundreds of residents during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ICN+ (Integrated Community Networks plus) was set up in 2020 to connect health and care teams with residents, improving access to local support services.

Since then, NHS Croydon said that over 600 people in Croydon had been helped so far, "with almost 300 alone seeking help with housing, benefits, social isolation and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic."

The hub, part of the The One Croydon Alliance, unites key workers in the borough, including GPs, social care workers, mental health services, physiotherapists, pharmacists and community support groups, who all contribute time and energy to helping people who arrive at the building seeking support.

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It's been so successful that, as NHS Croydon signalled, two new sites in the south east and south west of the borough have been set up, with more hubs planned in addition for later in 2021.

Chief Executive at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust Matthew Kershaw said: "We’re incredibly proud of the ICN+ team and are looking forward to expanding these vital community hubs across the borough. Throughout the pandemic, the network has provided ongoing support for the local community, launching virtual ‘talking points,’ for residents to tackle social isolation, improve access to mental health support and help people live and stay healthier.

"As we look ahead, we hope to continue these efforts as part of the One Croydon alliance, expanding the ICN+ programme across the borough and increasing our support for people within the neighbourhoods in which they live."

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, GP in Thornton Heath and lead GP for Croydon also praised the solidarity on display at the hub over the last year:

"We have brought together teams from physical health, social care, mental health and the community and voluntary sector to provide improved care for Croydon residents. We are very encouraged by the success of the first ‘integrated team’ in Thornton Heath and early feedback from residents has been very positive."

Councillor Janet Campbell, cabinet member for families, health and social care, added:

"One of the best things about the One Croydon Alliance is how some of the most vulnerable people in our community get quicker support for a range of things thanks to a team of professionals from the council, NHS and voluntary sector working in one place."