New hubs put health into the heart of the community
Four new health hubs are being launched in Hackney so residents can access a range of services and activities under one roof.
The hubs, which are funded by Hackney Council and run by local charity Shoreditch Trust, are based in community centres in four estates across the borough.
They are unique as they bring qualified health workers, employed by Homerton University Hospital, into the community to provide services that residents would usually need to go to a healthcare setting, such as a GP surgery, to access.
Health Improvement Workers will work alongside new community Health Coaches, who will support residents for up to eight weeks to help them identify their health goals and access services such as free exercise classes, support with weight loss, NHS health checks and help to stop smoking.
From February Health Coaches will be on three estates at Stamford Hill, Pembury and New Kingshold (near Wells St). A fourth hub, at Marsh Hill, is also set to open, and full services will be available in each Hub from April.
“The Hackney Health Hubs will put high quality, free health services and activities into the heart of our estates. Health is one of the council’s top priorities and this innovative scheme will give residents more choice about where they access services and support to achieve their goals. Hackney’s community centres are a fantastic resource and the hubs will help realise their full potential.”