A new community hub aiming at improving the health and wellbeing of people in Sneinton launched this week.
The Nottingham City East Community Hub is managed by the Nottingham City East Primary Care Network in collaboration with charities and organisations.
Their first event was held on Monday (April 29) at the Sneinton Community CIC on Edale Road.
NHS research found that the biggest issue for the people of Nottingham East was travelling so far for different appointments each week.
The community hub aims to streamline this, creating one place for people to go while relieving pressure on GPs.
Organiser Charlotte McIvor said: “Many can’t afford it. They can’t afford buses, trams, and have children they can’t bring everywhere.
“We have definitely noticed an increase in the number of people accessing our services.”
Services offered included: seeing a clinical pharmacist, a Specsavers eye check referral for home visit, support from Autistic Nottingham, and a range of projects such aimed at improving money management and employability skills.
The Hub rotates between three different locations weekly, offering different services each time.
It is the first of its kind in Sneinton, however there are similar weekly events in Sherwood, also run by an NHS Primary Care Network.
The Sherwood Community Hub is usually attended by 200-300 people and the most popularly accessed service is the food bank.
Charlotte added: “We have people accessing mainly for food donations, then we always signpost the food bank.
“Unfortunately, because of the stigma around food banks, people are much more likely to access our services because it is badged as in their community.
“The main thing people should know is that these hubs are open to everybody, non-judgemental and free of charge.”
The Hubs have been organised in collaboration with the NHS Primary Care Network, The Renewal Trust, Nottingham City Council and the Community Connectors.
Next week, the community hub will take place at the Cherry Lodge in King Edward Park on Tuesday.
More information about the community hub, dates and locations can be found here.
