Do you want to feel healthier, happier and more involved in your community? A new service being piloted in Bushey could help you.
The Hertsmere Wellbeing Gateway Service links people with sources of support within the community, connecting to wellbeing activities that improve physical and mental health.
The Hertsmere Wellbeing Gateway Services is a partnership approach by Citizens Advice Hertsmere, Community Hertsmere and Herts Mind Network, and supported by Hertsmere Borough Council through the Health and Wellbeing board and local GP Practices.
You can make an appointment yourself or be referred by your GP to meet a Wellbeing Worker.
A Wellbeing Worker will explore what’s important to you, identify local activities and services you’d benefit from and offer support and encouragement to start using those services.
This approach recognises that people’s health is determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors and seeks to look at the whole person.
It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health and wellbeing.
Councillor Caroline Clapper, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Health, said: “Many people are in situations that have a detrimental effect on their health, and often people want to improve their situation but need support and guidance in order to make a positive change.
“The Wellbeing Gateway Service can often provide a better option for a patient to help improve their wellbeing by linking them with health-promoting activities, services and support programmes in their neighbourhood. For example, if someone is feeling lonely there isn’t a medicine that a doctor can prescribe, however a social group such as a craft group or weekly coffee morning might improve their mood and wellbeing.”
The Wellbeing Gateway Service supports people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, focussing on improving mental health and physical well-being.
Those who could benefit from the Wellbeing Gateway Service include people with mild or long-term mental health problems, those with long-term conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis or Diabetes, vulnerable groups, people who are socially isolated, people experiencing financial hardship or income-based poverty, and those who frequently see their GP, nurse or specialist.
Services linked through the gateway include:
• Healthy lifestyles and active lives
• Befriending, counselling and other support groups
• Housing, benefits and financial support and advice
• Getting involved in local groups and activities
• Accessing specialist services and support
• Arts, music, outdoors and creativity
• Employment, training and volunteering
• Education and learning.
If you are 18 or over, would like to join in activities, be included in your community, find a new hobby, meet new people, want to improve your emotional or mental wellbeing, want help or advice with debt, benefits or housing issues, then Hertsmere’s Wellbeing Service could be the answer.
The Wellbeing Gateway Service is currently being piloted on Tuesdays at Schopwick Surgery in Bushey and Wednesdays at Little Bushey Surgery. Additional appointments will soon be available at Manor View Practice.
For more information visit communityhertsmere.gov.uk/HWGS, email hwgs@communityhertsmere.org.uk or call 020 8207 4504.
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