The One Bromley Wellbeing Hub officially opens to Bromley residents
The One Bromley Wellbeing Hub has reopened after a comprehensive refurbishment, transforming it into a one-stop shop for health and lifestyle support and information for Bromley residents. Originally opened in October 2022 as a Flu and COVID-19 vaccination site, the Hub’s reopening marks a significant step forward in the One Bromley Local Care Partnership’s efforts to reduce health inequalities in the borough.
Dr Angela Bhan, Bromley Place Board Director, said: “I am delighted that we are now able to reopen the Wellbeing Hub and offer such a vital range of services to help improve the health of our residents, especially those who are more likely to develop long-term health conditions. The Wellbeing Hub is the first of its kind in the borough and has served us extremely well in the past as a vaccination centre. Now we have the opportunity, through collaboration with health and care partners in Bromley, to offer our residents accessible support and advice to help keep them well and healthy.”
Conveniently located in The Glades shopping centre (upper mall, opposite M&S), the Wellbeing Hub is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30 am to 6.30 pm. It was officially launched on Friday 19 July by Sir Bob Neill, former MP for Bromley, and Bromley Mayor, Councillor David Jefferys.
Addressing the invitees after the official ribbon cutting, Sir Bob Neill said: “A big thank you to the healthcare and voluntary sector and Bromley Council. Well done to all of you. As a resident I will continue to follow the services available at the One Bromley Wellbeing Hub. A special thanks to Dr Angela Bhan and the One Bromley partners, for all your work developing the One Bromley concept that has resulted in examples such as the Wellbeing Hub we are opening today”.
The One Bromley Wellbeing Hub, provided by the One Bromley Local Care Partnership in collaboration with Mytime Active, offers a range of services targeting the five leading causes of poor health, known as the Vital 5. Also on offer are essential services such as support for carers, befriending services, smoking cessation, and cost-of-living advice and support. These services are designed to address both health and socio-economic challenges, which are often linked. For instance, stopping smoking not only improves physical health but also reduces financial strain. Similarly, cost-of-living advice can alleviate stress and improve mental wellbeing.
Debra Weekes, Mytime Active’s Partnerships Manager, explains: “The Vital 5 – healthy blood pressure, stopping smoking, healthy weight, safe drinking and healthy mind – are the 5 key areas for long term good health and wellbeing. Support is available at the Wellbeing Hub to identify any issues in these areas and advise on how you can improve them. Mytime Active is offering free lifestyle assessments to support residents with any of the Vital 5, signposting and referring them where appropriate to get the care they need and reduce the risks to their health. Our lifestyle advisors are all GP Referral Exercise Specialists, meaning they can provide expert advice on movement and activity for people with long-term health conditions, as well as people who are inactive or those with limited mobility. They have excellent knowledge of Bromley and what support is available across the borough.”
Bromley resident Patricia Fielder recently used the services at the One Bromley Wellbeing Hub. She says: “I wanted to check my blood pressure because I was worried why it was so high. After, to Chris, one of the advisors, he reassured me that the reading was perfectly normal, I’d been worrying the whole time for no reason! He was really friendly and explained what my blood pressure numbers should. He was very knowledgeable and giving me plenty of practical advice on how best to improve my physical and mental health.”
Physical and emotional health can be impacted by factors such as social interaction, financial situation and employment status. David Walker, Bromley Third Sector Enterprise CEO, says: “We are proud to be a partner at the Wellbeing Hub and support Bromley residents. Our advisers from Bromley Well are available for wellbeing support and cost of living issues, providing initial advice and referral to other services including Befriending, support for unpaid Carers, Disabilities, Long Term Health Conditions and Employability Support.”
Services are free and available as walk-in or booked appointments. This will particularly help those who find it difficult to schedule and keep regular healthcare appointments due to unpredictable work patterns or caring responsibilities.
For more information on the services available, time and booking details visit www.selondonics.org/OneBromleyWellbeingHub