The Holbeach Hub, run by charity Tonic Health, sees visitor numbers on the rise for youth and adult wellbeing services in South Holland, Boston and surrounding areas
A youth and community hub has seen a large increase in people accessing its services to help with health and wellbeing.
The Holbeach Hub, run by charity Tonic Health, has helped more than 12,000 people in the last year with a range of supportive services and programs in South Holland, Boston, and surrounding areas.
The hub is dedicated to enhancing wellbeing and is seeing an increase in people using the site - with an average of 438 users per month from April until August this year, compared with 83 per month between October and March last year.
Sam Collins, youth coordinator and wellbeing manager, said: “It is more than just a club and if I help just one person then I know it is worthwhile.
“I think the reason numbers have increased is a mixture of having a new management team and also the social prescribers and community connectors’ work within the area.
“Also getting out in the community and letting people know what we do and what different groups, services and activities we offer.”
The centre is based in the old school building on Boston Road South which different project rooms for arts and crafts, a digital den with gaming consoles, a piano, digital sewing machines, an outside wellbeing area and a sports hall.
Other activities that visitors can get involved with include performing, walking cricket, archery, Bro Pro a mental health group for men and community cooking.
The welcoming reception has settees and is an area for residents to meet and combat loneliness who are often referred to the hub by their social prescriber.
Derek Foster, 40, from Holbeach describes the hub as a ‘godsend’ since being referred to use the services weekly and now volunteers at the centre.
He said: “It is helping me in so many ways and stopped me feeling so isolated.
“Volunteering one day a week is good for my wellbeing.
“Not seeing anybody amplified my mental health issues and now I have an outlet where I can play the piano and has reinvigorated my passion for writing.”
Derek wrote an ode to the hub and describes Sam as the ‘heart and soul’ of the venue.
Another user is Peter French, 50, from Gedney who has suffered with PTSD.
He said: “It has changed so many things for me.
“It is a network to other agencies such as Boxes of Hope and I have been able to get legal advice.
“There is a stigma around men’s mental health and chatting and opening up has been a great help to me.”
Paul Allen, 52, from Holbeach attends the hub on Tuesdays to take part in crafts which are therapeutic.
After becoming housebound due to his health he was also referred by a social prescriber.
He said: “I was suffering with anxiety and not getting out of my flat which was getting me down.
“I have a heart condition and a pacemaker but I have made friends here.
“I contribute by teaching and helping with the crafts.”
The centre provides wellbeing opportunities to residents with health issues to get back into society and feel part of the community.
Mandy Littlejohn, 62, from Fleet Hargate has psoriasis, a painful skin condition and has suffered from depression since losing her husband.
She said: “I couldn’t get out of bed some days and I needed to get back to myself and the hub inspires me.
“I come two to three times a week and it has given me my self-respect back.
“The staff are brilliant, non-judgemental and I cannot praise them enough.”
There has also been a rise in youngsters using the facility.
Between September last year and February 2024 the average number of attendees to the youth club was 145 per month compared with 295 per month between March and August this year.
Outside groups can book to use the hub which has a conference room and kitchen facilities and the average number of hours hired per month has risen from 150 to 180.
The centre also offers opportunities for SEND residents such as Phoebe who with her carer enjoys playing the games in the digital den.
There is support on a daily basis for long-Covid support, the night light café, crafts and chats and more.
The centre also offers a laundry service for those who are struggling with the cost of a launderette or have no washing machine.
It was started within the warm space initiative in January and has become popular during the summer months.
Currently six members of the public use the service on a weekly basis and the Spalding hub is also busy with users.
For those who would like to use the services at the hub call 07471 515232 and staff will be happy to advise and give guidance on available services.
For further information visit the website https://tonic-health.co.uk/wellbeing-support/ and www.lincolnshirecvs.org/socialprescribing for further details.
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing (SP) is a non-clinical service that links people to their community.
This is to help enhance their health and wellbeing by supporting participants to increase social interaction, build confidence, self-esteem, enhance self-care and build knowledge of local resources.
It is a non-medical solution to problems.
SP Link Workers order short term one-to-one support and advice to individuals, helping them to connect with their community, reduce social isolation and improve their health and wellbeing.
A Link Worker assists participants in identifying goals, finding relevant local groups and activities, and providing long term solutions.
If you feel social prescribing would be helpful to you, you can refer through LCVS website or call 01205 314479.
You can speak to a GP and other professionals about them referring you to the service.
Visit www.lincolnshirecvs.org/socialprescribing for further details.
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