Erdington Wellbeing Hub Opens Its Doors

December 2, 2021
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A new era of service and support launched in Erdington yesterday with the official opening of Witton Lodge Community Association’s new Wellbeing Hub.

The former Erdington Health and Wellbeing Walk-in Centre at 196 High Street has been transformed into a multi-service facility to deliver advice, guidance and support around health, employment, housing, finance and volunteering.

Partners including NHS Property Services were among those attending the event which also showcased the training opportunities that people can access at the Hub.

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge, said: “We’ve had a presence in Erdington for a number of years, delivering a range of services at venues across the constituency. This new Hub will help centralise those services, strengthen our working partnerships and our relationship with local residents.”

Birmingham City Councillor, Cllr Robert Alden, said the new facility would provide long-term benefits in those areas where the need is greatest.

“We all know about the need for social prescribing and that the level of support required not just for physical health but mental and social health in the local area, is urgent,” he said.

“This is one of the long-term impacts of Covid with people needing this kind of support more than ever before. That is why this Hub is so needed and welcome in Erdington.”

Debbie Bates is the Health and Wellbeing Development Manager at Witton Lodge. She has, in partnership with colleagues at NHS Property Services, project managed the opening of the new facility.

“We now have an additional venue to provide much needed services, working in partnership with the local council, Midlands Medical Partnerships and NHS Property Services to make this happen has been tremendous,” she said.

“We will continue with our training and volunteering opportunities but there will also be bespoke Advice Surgeries for housing and finance too. There will be group workshops, one-to-one sessions and we are working with one of the local GP practices too.”

In a prepared statement, Erdington MP Jack Dromey said the new Health and Wellbeing Hub is a triumph for local people.

“The previous Walk-in-Centre was a much-loved community asset and this new Hub will really benefit the health and wellbeing of Erdington residents,” he said.

“I would like to pay tribute to Witton Lodge and the team at NHS Property Services for making this new hub a reality. Five days a week, it will be buzzing with activity, specialist advice and support, giving local people the chance to volunteer and gain valuable experience.

“it has been a fantastic collaborative effort which has made this possible so thanks to Midlands Medical Partnerships, then Erdington Task Force, Erdington Job Centre, Birmingham City Council’s Adult Social Work team and the Department of Work and Pensions.”

Chair of Witton Lodge, Linda Hines MBE, commented: “So many people have helped to get jus to this point.

“It’s amazing that the Hub has finally opened, and we hope that it will be well used by local residents. Health and Wellbeing covers a multitude of services, not just medical, and we are working with partners, including volunteers, to do our best for the people of Erdington.”

The Erdington Wellbeing Hub is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. For details on available support please call 0121 827 6295.