‍ ‍HWE Buddying Programme

1. The Concept – running a PPG can be a lonely job; to a large extent there has been limited promotion of PPG support resources and consequently each one tends to forge its own path. In reality, PPGs do need to develop in a way that meets their own local needs. But people who have run successful PPGs can provide excellent support and guidance, not to run their PPG as the buddy ran theirs, but to support the PPG to achieve its own goals.

2. How does it work? A buddy is assigned to support a PPG; they are assigned for as long as the parties decide that it is mutually beneficial. The buddy works with the PPG to determine:

·       Where are they now?

·       What are their immediate challenges? and

·       What are their best options going forward?

This would probably be by a Zoom or Teams call but face-to-face meetings are possible depending on the PPG’s needs. The buddy stays with the PPG until further buddying is unnecessary  

3. What is the Process? Although each PPG is different, the strategy tends to be similar even though the process for getting there may vary. All PPGs have a common goal – to improve the experience of patients within the GP Practice specifically, and across the Healthcare System In general. There are 6 key factors that a PPG can achieve against that objective:

•   Communications – ensuring that the information the Practice wants to communicate with patients is both consistent and engaging.

•   Support – patients are an invaluable source of additional resource in stressful times such as flu clinics, winter pressures, Practice campaigns, and increased demand for GP services.

•   Equality of Access – getting patients within minority ethnic or behavioural groups to fully engage with the Practice can be a challenge but Patient Groups can target these groups through peer support.

•   Patient Engagement – a proactive patient group can support the Practice’s desire to promote wellbeing and self-management across the patient body through the face-to-face and online activities that they develop.

•   Co-Design of Services – the lived experience that patients have can be extremely helpful in co-designing services that meet the needs of both the Practice and their patients.

•   Behaviour Change – your patient group can be an agent of change in establishing behaviours that benefit both the Practice and its patients.

The buddy will work with the PPG to agree the priorities and actions across these activities, and both the governance and resources to make it happen.

4. Confidentiality – the buddy will treat all information as confidential and will not divulge any aspect of the discussions with anyone apart from the PPG being buddied. The PPG is free to repeat the advice and discussions with their buddy where that enables them to achieve their plans and goals.

5. Further Information – for further information on the Buddying Program contact the Program Lead, Alan Bellinger, at abellinger@gmail.com

Alan Bellinger – 29th April 2026