The hub, which has been a designated warm space for local residents during the worst of the winter also offers a subsidised hot lunch prepared freshly by the hub’s cook as well as access to volunteers, a Department of Work and Pensions benefit advisor, carers advice and a health visiting drop-in for those with children and babies under five.
It’s been fantastic to see the hub develop. It started with just me and now we have other services regularly joining us, as well as the lunch club and support groups. It’s a great space with fabulous volunteers.”
Zerrin Buckle, Social Prescribing Network Lead
Zerrin Buckle, Social Prescribing Network Lead working out of the nearby New Malden and Worcester Park Primary Care Network, attends the hub each week and has been responsible for bringing other helpful services on board. Zerrin explained: “As a social prescriber I am equipped to help patients will all different aspects of their health and wellbeing, whether that is the effects of loneliness and isolation or worry and anxiety that are stemming from financial hardship. Being able to reach out to the community this way has been really helpful. Often people are more relaxed in this setting and I can speak to those that may not have known what social prescribers can offer and never have made an appointment to see me. It’s been fantastic to see the hub develop. It started with just me and now we have other services regularly joining us, as well as the lunch club and support groups. It’s a great space with fabulous volunteers.”
As a GP I will often see patients who need the type of support that can’t be solved with a prescription and although I can offer a sympathetic ear a social prescriber is often far better equipped to harness the considerable power of our local community and make real change to a person’s life.”
Nick Merrifield, Kingston GP
Kingston GP, Nick Merrifield, added: “As a GP I will often see patients who need the type of support that can’t be solved with a prescription and although I can offer a sympathetic ear a social prescriber is often far better equipped to harness the considerable power of our local community and make real change to a person’s life. The Living Well Hub has helped extend this support further into our local community and we are really pleased with how it is working out.”
Social prescribing for Kingston in Kingston is run in part by local charity Staywell with others employed directly by their PCNs.
One local resident who regularly attends the hub said: “As a support worker, I went in to enquire about what help could be given, I left with food bank vouchers, debt advice and a slimmer’s world code for 12 weeks for the vulnerable adult I support and myself”
The Living Well Hub runs 11am-2pm every Thursday and everyone is welcome.