More than 15,000 people have received vital help from the Community Wellbeing Hub, which recently celebrated its five-year anniversary.
Celebrating the fifth anniversary | Photo © B&NES Council
Since its origins during the Covid-19 pandemic delivering emergency food parcels and medication to people isolating during lockdown, as well as telephone advice, the initiative has become a central place for residents to access many services that support their health and wellbeing.
It has received 32,000 referrals over the five years it has been operating from residents needing help with a wide range of issues including money, housing advice, food access, mental health and caring for others.
People who contact them will on average receive support from two or more services.
The Community Wellbeing Hub was created by Bath & North East Somerset Council, HCRG Care Group (formerly Virgin Care), the 3SG and other third sector partners in March 2020 and has grown to include 37 partner organisations including Avon Fire & Rescue, Centre for Sustainable Energy and the Royal United Hospital.
The Hub has also supported more than 1,200 people who are being discharged from hospitals in B&NES and has distributed 500 HELP packs to ease patients’ transitions back home.
It is also celebrating news of being shortlisted for the Municipal Journal Awards in the Innovation in Public Private Partnerships category, which described the strength and trust across the partnership and being an example of good practice for co-production, delivering for local people.
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for adult services at B&NES Council, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has played a part in making the Community Wellbeing Hub the excellent resource for everyone in B&NES that it is today, giving the right support to people at the right time.
“We are immensely proud of the quick and effective support the Hub continues to provide our community, which is testament to the strength of the relationships between all the partners involved.”
Becky Brooks, Director of the 3SG, said: “The Community Wellbeing Hub is a remarkable legacy from the pandemic that is still supporting the most vulnerable residents in B&NES.
“There could be no better example of what happens when a community comes together to help others and we are proud to be part of that journey.”
Residents can contact the Community Wellbeing Hub by calling 0300 247 0050 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
The Hub is funded by Bath & North East Somerset Council through the Better Care Fund (BCF) Programme. The BCF is a national programme in England that aims to improve the integration of health and social care services.
