BLOG: How Three River’s Healthy Hubs can make a difference

For someone that has never heard of the Three Rivers Healthy Hubs, how would you describe the service and the type of support involved?

The Healthy Hubs are a place where residents can come and get advice and support for any lifestyle changes they might want to make. This could be anything from weight loss, exercise and joining social groups in the community, to addiction and mental health support. Residents can also get advice around any council matters including benefits, council tax and housing. We can provide support to access information online, to make online referrals or complete online applications.

The Health Engagement Officer will have a conversation with the resident to find out what support they might need and then direct them to the appropriate service. Some residents may even pop in just for a chat and a cup of tea and biscuit - this might be the only time that day that they have made contact with another person.

As well as the Health Engagement Officer, Three Rivers District Council’s Customer Service Team, Housing Officers and Community Safety Team frequently attend the hubs, bringing their support and advice into the district. The Healthy Hubs also host external partners such as Herts Mind Network and Grand Union Community Energy – meaning they are a one stop shop for a wide range of information and support.

For someone who has never heard of Time to Talk Day, what is it and how does it link in with the Healthy Hubs?

Time to Talk Day takes place on 5 February. It is the nation's biggest mental health conversation, and everyone is encouraged to take part by coming together to talk, listen and potentially change lives.

Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.

In honour of Time to Talk Day, between the 3 – 5 February, our Healthy Hubs will share information on how to break the stigma of mental health and support each other’s well-being at work, at school and in the wider community. This could be through organising walks with colleagues at lunchtime, by inviting a neighbour for a cup of tea or delivering a school assembly on mental health. You can also speak to mental health charity Turning Point, who will be attending the hubs. You can visit the Healthy Hub to get advice or just simply have a chat and a cup of tea with staff or each other.

Could you tell us about someone who has benefitted from attending the Healthy Hubs?

One person who has benefitted from attending the Healthy Hub is Susan (not her real name). Susan initially came into the Healthy Hubs in August 2024 as she had recently lost her job. She was struggling financially as well as with practical things such as contacting her Universal Credit work coach as she was not confident in completing online tasks.

Over the following weeks, I took the time to listen to her to really find out what was going on in her life, building a rapport so Susan felt comfortable to open up about her concerns and challenges in her life.

Susan was signposted to various support services including the Citizens Advice for help with requesting her last payslip from her employer, her GP and mental health services to address her mental health struggles, and to Grand Union Community Energy to advise her on ways she might be able to save on her utility bills. She saw the Three Rivers Benefits Team to apply for council tax reduction and finally was referred to the Shaw Trust and W3RT to work with a work coach around future employment.

Some things were able to be completed at the Healthy Hub, such as applying for an emergency payment, the Household Support fund application and contacting her job coach via the Universal Credit journal, but most importantly, I was able to sit with Susan and talk to her to help her make sense of what was going on.

Susan was supported to talk about some very difficult matters. She had found it difficult to open up but over time felt comfortable to do so. Susan said she found it comforting to know that the Healthy Hub was open every week for her to drop in and have a chat.

Susan has been supported by me and another professional since this initial meeting and we have both been checking in. Susan has moved forward, finding work with a view to setting up her own business, all of which started with the support from the Healthy Hub.

How can residents access the Healthy hubs?

The service can be accessed through the council’s website: Healthy Hub Three Rivers | Three Rivers District Council

They can also call the Health Engagement Officer on 01923 727239 or email: HealthyHub@Threerivers.gov.uk

Professionals can make a referral via the website here: Healthy Hub Three Rivers | Three Rivers District Council