HUNDREDS of Worcestershire residents have already benefited from the free service at Pershore’s Wellbeing Hub, which is open to all, regardless of age or location.
Recently retired GP Chris Perks, a key member of the team, said: “The hub’s goal is to enable everyone in our community to lead healthier and happier lives by leveraging our strong network of mutually supportive services.
“The Hub provides a safe place where you can find a kind ear, where trained men and women will listen, support you and enable you to live a healthier, happier life.
“The hub offers assistance with bureaucratic difficulties, for example when filling out forms, applying for care allowance or dealing with letters and invoices.
“The hub can also help you with problems at work, parenting, caring for elderly relatives, managing stress and anxiety, and many more problems.
Ian Birth, a Hub volunteer and former Deputy Headmaster, said: “While we don’t always have all the answers, we can certainly refer you to someone who does.”
Fiona Warman, a volunteer who worked as a criminal defense attorney before joining the hub, added: “We don’t want to tell you what to do, but we do want to work with you to find solutions that work for you .”
As well as providing immediate support and advice, the center’s volunteers guide people to existing services in the area and make connections with key partners such as Number 8, the Leisure Center and the Volunteer Centre.
Charlie Matthews, an educational psychologist by training, said: “Vital to extend our reach to the wider community, making us accessible, welcoming and up to date, our website contains a comprehensive, searchable directory of local services.
“In short, we are the local information center for all services that can serve people’s well-being.”
The Hub organizers recognize that while the current location at 4 High Street, Pershore is great for residents of the city, it is not easy for everyone who might benefit from the Hub’s services to get there.
Gill Perks, Chair, also a recently retired GP, hopes the hub can help people in the wider community: “We want to facilitate the development of supportive small groups that take place in different locations throughout the community.”
Visit www.pershorewellbeinghub.co.uk for more details on the Hub