Wellbeing service marks anniversary
More than 6,000 people have been helped in the first year of an innovative, free community wellbeing service in Lancashire.
The Lancashire Wellbeing Service, run in partnership between charities Richmond Fellowship, Age Concern Central Lancashire, & n-compass Northwest Ltd, was launched in September 2015 to help vulnerable people aged 18 and over deal with issues affecting their ability to be healthy and happy.
The service is funded by Lancashire County Council and the charitable partners work together across three regional bases, with the emphasis on dealing with issues on a local level.
Iain Pearson, area co-ordinator for the Central Lancashire region explained: “People will come to us for a number of reasons and need support to develop a healthier lifestyle. Issues will include health and fitness but also mobility and transport, relationships and families, employment or housing. Others may be feeling anxious, stressed, isolated or simply overwhelmed.”
The service’s team of wellbeing workers support individuals to set themselves realistic, achievable goals and take practical steps to improve their happiness and health. This might involve connecting them with groups and activities in the community, some we set up ourselves, to boost their confidence and sense of self-value or putting them in touch with other agencies to deal with specific issues.
Iain added: “It’s about the individual understanding the wider benefits of changing their behaviour. Every day we see and hear outcomes like this and that’s what the service is here for. Ultimately we want people to stay well and maintain their independence for a better quality of life.”
Lancashire residents who would like to know more about the service can visit the service’s dedicated website, www.lancswellbeing.co.uk and make confidential enquiries about a referral on their own behalf, for a family member or friend and by telephone to 03450 138208.
