Building relationships, strengthening partnerships, reducing inequalities and improving the wellbeing of Warrington residents are key priorities for the new manager of the Living Well Hub.
Emma Whaley has been appointed to look after the day to day running of the multi-million pound town centre facility, which is set to open its doors to residents on Monday 11 March.
The Living Well Hub, in Horsemarket Street, is a three-storey, fully accessible ‘one-stop shop’ aimed at helping people live as happily, healthily and independently as possible. It is intended to be a safe and welcoming space where you can go to get advice and support about your overall health and wellbeing.
Find out more about the Living Well Hub
Having worked in the town for more than 20 years and in the public sector for 24, Emma is passionate about transformational work and using holistic approaches to support those most in need.
Emma, who lives in Fearnhead and started her new role at the Hub on January 8, said: “It’s my job to support the day to day running of this fantastic facility, and so far it has been very hands on in terms of working towards our completion date for the building, meeting our delivery groups, liaising with multiple teams from partner organisations across the town, and finalising the timetable of services ahead of next month’s opening.
“Once open, the Living Well Hub will provide a range of clinical and non-clinical services under one roof that can offer advice and guidance around health and wellbeing, from conception through to older age. Its focus is on early intervention and making sure people can receive support in a timely manner.”
The Town Deal-funded initiative will see the spaces within the new Hub shared by around 25 organisations, led by teams from Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Warrington Borough Council, Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, with support from voluntary and charitable sector partners.
There will be a particular emphasis on providing women’s health services and services for children, families and older people. Maternity (pre and postnatal), dementia, mental health, weight management, cardiac rehab and health visitor clinics are among those confirmed.
For Emma, developing strong relationships within the community is crucial to the ongoing success of the Living Well Hub.
“The Hub is proof of what can be achieved when partner organisations come together and work collaboratively for the benefit of others,” she said.
“As a former frontline worker and manager, some of my previous roles have centred around safeguarding, including domestic abuse and supporting vulnerable families. While working within the Early Help division at Warrington Borough Council I was also involved in looking at the transformation of our children’s centres into family hubs.
“So having that knowledge and experience of working with other organisations in the past, I know just how vital early intervention from multiple partners can be in addressing the needs of families and older residents, which can often be complex.
“By having those conversations early on, in accessible community settings where people are more likely to feel comfortable seeking help, not only can we support people in the right way, but over time, we can reduce inequalities as well the demand for acute healthcare services.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the Living Well Hub open and people coming through the doors. We want to see it thrive and hopefully by doing so, it will provide a successful blueprint for others to follow.”
The Living Well Hub is part of the borough-wide Living Well programme, which aims to connect people, communities and services to enable residents to live healthy, fulfilling lives and take greater control over their own health, wellbeing and resilience.
It will be open Monday to Friday initially, from 9am to 5pm and until 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
