Launch unveiled for ‘innovative’ Newcastle wellbeing hub set to improve community health

As part of our 2024 Innovation Week, in association with Innovation SuperNetwork, we hear from a ‘groundbreaking’ new wellbeing support hub designed to improve the health of the local community which will open in Newcastle next month.

The Space, which is based at Cruddas Park Surgery in Newcastle, is the first of its kind to have professionals from multiple services all working under one roof.

The Space has been collaboratively designed, produced and named by agencies and service users within Newcastle and is a partnership between mental health care, primary care, statutory agencies and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations.

Partners include; Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), West End Family Health Primary Care Network, Every turn, Changing Lives, Re-co-co, Newcastle University, Newcastle Council, VITA talking therapies and James’ Place Newcastle.

Its aim is to improve quality of life and access to services for the local population. Residents in the West End of Newcastle who are registered with West Road, Cruddas Park and Holmside GP practices (part of the West End Family Health group) will be able to access help in an easier and more timely way.

Those coming into the hub will have improved access and quicker support from a range of professionals without the need for lengthy waiting lists. The Space will open on Friday 8 March as a pilot, trialling multi-agency working within a community setting.
 
Professionals working from the site will include NHS Talking Therapies, mental health community treatment teams, drug and alcohol services, Newcastle local authority, and Individual Placement Support (which helps people experiencing mental health and addiction issues gain employment).

Rebecca Tait, Associate Director at CNTW, commented: “We are so excited for the launch of The Space which aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of our local community. By offering advice and support as soon as it’s needed, the people of Newcastle’s West End will be able to access holistic care from a central place on their doorstep.

“We are so proud to have played a part in setting up this innovative new way of working, which looks to break down barriers between services. This is a pioneering project which we hope will build a sense of togetherness in the community and encourage independence for people accessing services.

“The Space will be a safe and caring environment committed to promoting wellbeing and increasing people’s contact with the right people who can support them.”

This article is part of Bdaily’s 2024 Innovation Week, in association with Innovation SuperNetwork.