Project to improve health and reduce inequalities is launched in Bletchley

A series of drop-in sessions to provide accessible help on health and wellbeing topics has been launched in Bletchley.  The Bletchley Get Togethers support groups will run twice each month, initially at Bletchley Library and West Bletchley community centre.

Bletchley Pathfinder, a multi-agency partnership led by the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board and Milton Keynes City Council, has designed the drop-ins to alleviate pressure on health services and to reduce inequalities by focusing on prevention and addressing a range of health and care needs.

Sessions have been developed hand-in-hand with a coalition of voluntary groups, charities, and community support organisations, and will include interactive activities such as arts, crafts and health and wellbeing information.

The first community hub opened its doors at West Bletchley Community Centre earlier this month, with further sessions to be held on the first Wednesday of each month.  Residents had the chance to connect with professionals including social prescribers, wellbeing coaches and public health outreach workers, who were on hand to provide advice and guidance on the community and voluntary support services available across Milton Keynes.  All residents were also provided with a small thankyou gift; these were kindly donated by John Lewis, Asda and Tesco.

The second hub was launched on Monday this week at Bletchley Library, and sessions will be held regularly on the third Monday of each month.

Toni Fisher, independent chair of Bletchley Pathfinder, said:

“Recognising that people’s health and wellbeing is incredibly important, Bletchley Get Together sessions are intended to address people’s needs in a holistic way.  We want everyone in Bletchley to find out about support services, activities, and groups they can connect and engage with.

“It’s also about bringing the community together, and I’m grateful to the businesses who have helped us to make residents aware of the first sessions.  A huge thank you to all the community and voluntary organisations and the health and care professionals who have joined in launching Team Bletchley drop-in sessions.  It was so great to have the positive response and willingness of all those participating and supporting these events.”

Chris Warren, a Bletchley resident who attended the first event, said:

“Since I retired, I don’t do much these days, especially when the weather is miserable.  My daughter has been telling me to get out more and told me about Bletchley Pathfinder.  I reluctantly went and was pleasantly surprised.

“It’s a space where residents can not only receive health and wellbeing assistance, support and advice but also learn about other services and groups going on in the community.  I enjoyed talking to all the stallholders whilst having a cup of tea and finding out what’s going on.  I also found out I get free swimming at Bletchley Leisure Centre which I didn’t know about!”

Future sessions will be every first Wednesday of the month at the community centre and every third Monday at the library. Next sessions are:

• Wednesday 6 November – West Bletchley Community Centre.
• Monday 18 November – Bletchley Library.

More information is available online about Bletchley Pathfinder and future drop-in sessions.