One year on from the opening of the Living Well Hub in Warrington town centre, hundreds of people are now benefiting from its health and wellbeing services each week.
Having opened its doors for the first time in March 2024, the team behind the pioneering facility have been reflecting on a successful 12 months which has seen more than 15,000 visitors to the hub so far.
Around 70 different services, ranging from dementia support and domestic abuse advice to baby weighing clinics and weight management assistance, are currently being offered at the hub, based in Horsemarket Street.
Led by a joint partnership between Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WHH), Warrington Borough Council, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the Town Deal-funded building is home to 30 different healthcare providers, voluntary and charitable organisations and wellbeing services.
It is specifically aimed at preventing ill health and addressing health inequalities in Warrington, where there is a 10-year difference in life expectancy between the most and least deprived members of the community.
More than 50 per cent of those visiting the hub have done so on a drop-in basis as opposed to pre-booked appointments – highlighting the demand for an easily accessible facility offering face to face support. Fifteen per cent have also accessed at least one additional service, and many more have been guided to further support in other locations across Warrington.
General manager Emma Whaley said: “The past 12 months have been both exciting and productive. Seeing the impact the Living Well Hub has had so far has been truly inspiring and we continue to support residents in navigating their health and wellbeing journeys.
“The hub’s success is testament to the dedication of our team and the collaborative efforts of all the partners involved, who we have developed strong working relationships with, in delivering a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical services. From mental health support and social prescribing to employment advice and lifestyle services, we are committed to ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of the Warrington community.”
One priority area for the Living Well Hub has been supporting Warrington’s significant ageing population, with the number of people over the age of 65 in the town expected to rise by 50 per cent over the next 20 years.
Among those who have benefited from the services on offer are Nigel and Irene Howard, both 76 and from Fearnhead, who have lived in Warrington all their lives and are this year celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.
Irene was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago, and until last year Nigel had been helping her with daily tasks to enable her to maintain her independence at home. However when her memory and cognitive abilities began to decline further Nigel sought help and after being introduced to the Good Neighbours Service, part of Warrington Voluntary Action, they were encouraged to attend the Living Well Hub.
Irene and Nigel Howard
With specialist support available not only for individuals living with dementia but also their caregivers, it has proven to be an invaluable lifeline for the couple – particularly as Irene’s condition has progressed and full time care has subsequently been needed.
From regular contact with a dementia and delirium nurse to social care assistance and companionship provision, they have received the vital help needed not only to navigate the health and social care system, but also to enable Nigel to focus on his own wellbeing needs as well as Irene’s. As a result their relationship has strengthened and they have been able to share more precious moments together as husband and wife.
Emma said: “Nigel and Irene’s story, as well as the positive feedback we have received from service users and partners, highlights the meaningful difference the hub continues to make in people’s lives. There are a range of dementia services provided at the hub every Tuesday, and we would encourage members of the public to drop in and find out more about the support available to them.
“As we move into our second year, we remain focused on expanding our reach and enhancing the support available, and we are excited for the future and the opportunities ahead.”
One of the most popular services at the hub is phlebotomy (blood testing), which has seen unprecedented demand due to the central location making it easier for residents to access, with pre-booked tests now carried out there five days a week. Meanwhile on Mondays the focus is on healthy lifestyles and women’s health, Thursdays is aging well and falls, and Wednesdays and Fridays are families and children.
This month will also see the launch of the digital platform Living Well Warrington, a new website and ‘one-stop shop’ to connect people to the right services that will enable them to take greater control of their own health, wellbeing and resilience.
Nikhil Khashu, Chief Executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is fantastic to see the Living Well Hub going from strength to strength. The hub is proof that through true collaboration and working more closely together we can achieve great things for the benefit of the town.
“As providers of both community and acute health services we fully understand the impact of health inequalities in our communities. We want to continue developing the services provided at the hub, and through Living Well Warrington, to ensure we provide the most timely access and support for those who need it the most.”
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care, added: “The Living Well Hub has had a hugely successful first 12 months and is making a real difference to local people. By providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for health and wellbeing in the heart of Warrington, it is empowering residents to live as happily, healthily and independently as possible.
“The hub demonstrates the power of partnership working and as it celebrates its first anniversary, I would like to congratulate everyone involved in running the facility for the fantastic work they are doing. Thousands of local people have already received support – and we look forward to supporting many more in the year ahead and beyond.”
The hub is open from 9am to 5pm weekdays, and until 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. For more information about the services on offer, visit warrington.gov.uk/living-well-hub
