6 minute read
Feature
Plymouth’s Wellbeing Hubs
From the war in Ukraine to the rising costs of energy and increasing levels of Covid, there is no doubt that times are challenging. Support from friends and family is vital for many, but what if you don’t have a social network? Plymouth’s wellbeing hubs are there to support you.
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Wellbeing hubs make it easier for you to access information, health and community services. to thrive. Kathryn continues: “The Rees Centre hosts a Their premise is to be a single point in the community, Plympton networking group. Anybody who is providing providing support and information on all manner of a local service is welcome to come along to share subjects which may aff ect wellbeing. From pregnancy information. This allows us to identify emerging themes and parenting support, through to energy-saving advice and gaps in local provision. It is also an opportunity for and bereavement services, every aspect of wellbeing is those in the community to fi nd their own solutions and catered for. Each hub is led by a diff erent charity partner facilitate change together, by talking and coming up in order to collaboratively deliver vital services. with ideas.” Those managing the hubs recognise that people’s The Rees Centre currently has 18 volunteers who needs will vary and they welcome contact via phone, work incredibly hard to support its core services. It email and social media provides a Wellbeing dropmessaging as well as in-person. Kathryn Hussey, Project Coordinator at Plympton’s “ The Rees Centre currently has 18 volunteers who work incredibly hard to support its core services ” in, a Children’s Centre, a counselling service, a range of pro-active youth support groups and adult education Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub, classes on topics such as which is led by Barnardo’s, says that staff are trained to ‘cooking on a budget’. In time, it is hoped that an area signpost people to the correct services to support their outside the centre will become a community allotment. specifi c need. “People can spend a long time looking One of the more unexpected facilities available at the for the right support, or not know what is available. Rees hub is its boxing ring run by Carl’s Boxing Stable. We are here to act as a fi rst point of contact. If our The centre plays a large role in working with local young team don’t know the answer, we know that one of our people, off ering structured activities and a safe space. partners will. Our team can provide information on Boxing is just one of the activities on off er. local groups and services, as well as online resources, and A Plympton Foodbank is also available at nearby St refer into citywide services such outreach support from Mary’s Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a the Children’s Centres. We have a lot going on at the community larder at the Ridgeway Methodist Church. centre such as weekly work, money and budgeting clinics The foodbank service is mirrored in other areas of the with DWP outreach workers, and are always happy to city, with its exact provision based upon need. Four accommodate a member of the community meeting a Greens Community Trust, in Whitleigh, is very ‘handsworker from another service if transport is a barrier for on’ with food provision and redistribution, off ering a them.” community larder, shared lunches and Christmas dinner. Community development is also vital within the Kathryn explains, “There is a lot of unease surrounding wellbeing hubs to ensure that local support continues rising energy costs; people are genuinely concerned
Carl’s Boxing Stable
about how to heat and eat this winter. We work with the foodbank as a partner and they are able to reimburse travel costs for people who may not otherwise be able to make it along to the foodbank. The important thing is not to struggle in silence. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Plymouth Energy Community and AGE UK Plymouth have been distributing Household Support Funds (HSF) for those most in need of them. We have referred 44 families directly from the centre for HSF support. We also fi nd that a lot of people aren’t receiving all the help they could be. This is especially true when people haven’t previously qualifi ed for means assessed grants and benefi ts, and we’d encourage everyone to look into extra support available.” This year, Plymouth City Council is working with the wellbeing hubs, churches and community buildings
Plymouth Energy Community’s energy-saving tips
Plymouth Energy Community is an independent organisation, covering the Plymouth area. The team can provide energy advice and basic support measures including draught-proofi ng, LED light bulbs, hot water tank jackets and energy monitors. A similar service is being run for South Hams residents by the South Dartmoor Community Energy Team. The ideas below can be easily implemented to save you money this winter: • Heat your home to meet your needs – 18-20 degrees is fi ne for most, whilst 20-22 may be needed for those with elderly or young family members. • Turn Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV) up and down according to need. • Regularly bleed radiators for maximum effi ciency. • Know your heating system and how to control it. • Open curtains in the day to let in sunlight and close them at dusk to retain heat. Tuck them behind radiators so that heat doesn’t escape. to off er warm spaces. Community partners such as Plympton Library and Harewood House will hopefully be able to provide a warm and welcoming space for people who need it. The Rees Centre is looking to set up some new groups and services to tie in with the warm spaces provision. The downstairs lounge may potentially be opened up to welcome people in, and it is hoped that a free fi lm club will be able to run in partnership with Character Creation Roleplaying. Already a vital resource, the centre is continually evolving and looking for new ways to support the local community. For further details on the individual wellbeing hubs across Plymouth and what they off er, visit: www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/wellbeinghubs n
Joanne Mallard
• Make DIY draught excluders – stuffi ng a pair of old tights or some old clothes will do the trick! • Turn off lights when not in use. • Avoid over-fi lling your kettle. • Shower for 4 minutes or less. • Dry clothes in fresh air or use an airer – but remember that moisture needs to escape somehow or you may encourage damp. • Turn appliances off standby. • Microwaves or air-fryers are a more cost-effective alternative to using the oven. • Fill up your washing machine and you may fi nd you can cut back by one load each week.
Seeking Additional Help – Contact details:
Rees Centre Wellbeing Hub, Plympton – 01752 340550 | RCWBH@Barnardos.org.uk Four Greens Wellbeing Hub, Whitleigh – 01752 875916 | facilities.fgct@gmail.com Plymouth Energy Community – 01752 477117| energyteam@plymouthenergycommunity.com Samaritans – 116 123 free from any phone Shout, the UK’s free & confi dential 24/7 text messaging support service – text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
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