Health on the high street in Croydon

Life can be unpredictably tough. It can feel challenging, overwhelming and isolating at times. In moments like this having a safe space to visit can be a lifeline for many – this is why the NHS, social care and community organisations have come together to create Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space.

Whether it’s financial worries, loneliness, employment queries or a simple wish to talk with others, the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space offers a friendly community hub where genuine support can be received.

NHS, social care and community organisations have come together to create Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space. Developed in partnership with the NHS and Mind in Croydon and the Croydon BME Forum, we have developed a new innovative community wellbeing health service in The Whitgift Shopping Centre.

The new support hub based in Croydon’s Whitgift Centre aims to provide an inclusive and safe space to transform the health and wellbeing of Croydon residents. The free service provides a safe space for those aged 18 years+ to connect and gain advice and support to manage their mental health and improve independence.

The Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space supported nearly 100 people in its first month. The service brings together support workers, a psychologist and a mental health nurse to provide both clinical and social care support.

Andrew Brown, Chief Executive of Croydon BME Forum said “We want Croydon residents to know that they are not alone and that we’re here to help them find a solution to problems they may be facing. We are finding that being in the heart of Croydon helps make it easier for local people to come to us for support.”

Service Manager, Elvio Correia shares how the service supports Croydon residents:

“As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic there is a need for accessible mental health and wellbeing support. Our service brings together clinical and social care expertise to provide holistic support and improve access, experience and outcomes for Croydon residents.

We want people to know our team is here to confidentially support a range of matters including mental health, access to welfare benefits, housing, money and debt management, education, training and employment, and social inclusion.”

Working with people with lived experience

“Alongside our clinical leads we also recognise the value of offering support from people with lived experience. Some of our service users have been trained to become support workers and offer support to their peers where appropriate.”

Empowering our service users

“We’ve found that a service user led approach empowers those who use our service to act as role models, create trusted connections and offer advice from the perspective of someone who has been in a similar situation. Our service users have also been invaluable to co-design CHWS to ensure we create an understanding and practical service that helps people on their mental health recovery journey.”

Contact us at Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space

“We want Croydon residents to know that they are not alone and that we’re here to help them find a solution to problems they may be facing.

We would love to hear from you or anyone you believe would benefit from our services.

Anyone aged 18+ years and above can self-present at the CHWS during the service core opening hours, or book an appointment by email or over the phone.”