NEWSROOM

Following the success of Live Well Community Hubs across Telford and Wrekin, the new hub will provide a welcoming space where local people can access face to face advice, information and practical support from a range of organisations, all under one roof.

The hub will operate on the first Tuesday of every month from 9.30am to 11.30am and on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Malinslee Healthcare Centre.

Since the first hub opened at The Anstice in Madeley in April 2024, the network has expanded across Telford and Wrekin. Hubs are now operating in Wellington, Donnington, Hadley and Leegomery, Madeley, Sutton Hill and Woodside, with Malinslee and Dawley becoming the latest community to benefit from the initiative.

The new location is particularly significant as it is the first Live Well Community Hub to be located within a GP practice. This provides residents with an opportunity to access support services in a familiar and trusted setting, including private spaces where they can talk confidentially about their needs.

 Dr Ian Chan, Medical Director of Teldoc said:

"We're delighted to be hosting the Live Well Hub at our Malinslee practice. It demonstrates how general practice can work with partners to bring a wider range of health and wellbeing support closer to the communities we serve.

We encourage local people to come along, see what's available, benefit from the support on offer, and help shape how we can continue to meet the needs of our community in the future."

Organisations attending the launch event on 1 September include Healthy Lifestyles, the Independent Living Centre, Support with Phones, Tablets and Laptops, Teldoc, Marches Energy Advice, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and priority phone access to Citizens Advice and Telford and Wrekin CVS.

Teldoc’s Social Prescribing Team will also be available to support residents by helping them access practical, non-medical services within the community. Whether people are looking to improve their wellbeing, reduce feelings of loneliness, access housing or financial advice, or discover local activities and support groups, Social Prescribing Link Workers can help connect them with the most appropriate services. If a particular organisation is not present at the hub, the team can also help residents find and access the support they need.

The impact of the Live Well Community Hubs is already being felt across the borough. One Donnington resident who accessed support through the Live Well Community Hub at Silver Threads Hall received advice on veterans' benefits, pension entitlements and support to apply for a Veterans Card. She was also connected with local veterans' groups and offered a follow up home visit, helping her access services that may otherwise have been difficult to reach.

Residents have also shared positive feedback about their experiences at local hubs.

One resident said: “Excellent support from David at Learn Telford. Keep up the good work.”

Another commented: “It’s great that it’s on my doorstep.”

Others described the service as “very happy with the help received” and “an excellent first visit. Finally on the NHS App thanks to the Digital Champion. Everyone was helpful.”

 Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All, said:

“The Live Well Community Hubs are making a real difference by bringing support services directly into local communities and helping people access advice before issues become more serious. We are delighted to expand the programme into Malinslee and Dawley and particularly pleased that this will be the first hub based within a GP practice.

“These hubs are friendly, accessible and welcoming spaces where residents can find practical help, trusted advice and connections to services that can support their health, wellbeing and independence. I would encourage anyone who could benefit from support or simply wants to find out what is available in their area, to come along and see what the hub has to offer.”

Residents are invited to drop in, meet representatives from a range of organisations, find out about the support available and access information tailored to their needs.

For more information about Live Well Community Hubs, visit the Telford & Wrekin Council webpage.