From Lived Experience to Community Impact

Find out how Norin's work not only fills a crucial gap in personalised, non-clinical support locally, but is also beginning to create ripples of impact beyond Merton’s borders.

Our dedicated Health Coach and Social Prescriber, Norin, plays a vital role in supporting individuals living with Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia through our partnership with St George’s Hospital. Her work not only fills a crucial gap in personalised, non-clinical support locally, but is also beginning to create ripples of impact beyond Merton’s borders.

Recently, Norin worked with an individual living with Sickle Cell who is also an active advocate for the condition through his lived experience. Although based in another London borough, he was referred to Norin for support navigating social challenges such as rising living costs and a strong desire to give back to his community. Through their sessions, they explored available support like the Household Support Fund and discussed how he could channel his creativity and personal story into something meaningful.

Empowered by their conversations, the client developed the idea of a community art exhibition that would reflect his life with Sickle Cell and affirm his identity beyond the condition. With Norin’s support and encouragement, he applied to his borough’s community fund to bring the concept to life. He has since gone on to volunteer with the Sickle Cell Society, drawing on his mentoring skills to support others in similar situations.

This story highlights the real value of having a dedicated role in place, someone who can offer time, personalised support and space to explore ideas. Norin’s work shows how we are reaching those who fall between clinical care and community connection, and how this model of support can extend beyond Merton to improve lives more widely.