A new pop-up lifestyle hub which aims to connect people in Bushey with health and wellbeing services has opened.

The Healthy Hub at the Bushey Grove Leisure Centre in Aldenham Road is a dedicated local venue where people can be signposted to services, support and advice on a range of physical and mental health issues.

Whether it’s help to stop smoking, help to lose weight, mental health support, encouragement to get more active or advice on how to cut down on drinking – the hub has a health and wellbeing advocate who can answer any queries or signpost to the relevant services.

The hub, which is open every Wednesday from 9.30am until 4.30pm, is funded by Hertfordshire County Council and managed by InspireAll, in partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council. It is free to use.

Cllr Meenal Sachdev, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Culture at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “We know how difficult the past 18 months has been, as people have struggled to work, educate their children and just get through each day during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Keeping mentally and physically fit and healthy may not have not been a top priority. Bushey's new Healthy Hub is being launched to help residents address this, so they can find the time and support to reconnect with themselves and their community.

"Whether you want help with getting into shape, need mental health support or counselling, are looking for volunteering opportunities, want to stop smoking or are in need of family planning advice, you can pop in and speak to the health and wellbeing advocate anytime or ring up to book an appointment.

“We’re so excited to be working with InspireAll and Hertfordshire County Council on this project, which we hope will have a big impact on addressing the needs of our local community.”

Hertfordshire County Council’s Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Cllr Morris Bright MBE, said: “We are delighted to see the Bushey pop-up Healthy Hub open, joining the existing network in Hertsmere and across the county.

“Healthy Hubs are part of our District Partnership programme, through which we have invested £1.2 million in health and wellbeing services across Hertfordshire and this dedicated local service will make it easier for residents to pop in and get the friendly, professional support they need to improve their physical and mental health."