Five new covid hubs to be created across the region as part of new health board partnership

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB),has secured Welsh Government funding to partner with Elemental Software and a range of public and voluntary organisations to support the creation of five Covid Support Hubs.

The Hubs aim to bring together the full range of covid support services in community settings covering Shotton, Plas Madoc in Wrexham, Maesgeirchen in Bangor, Holyhead and Denbigh so that people can access the support they need all under one roof.

They will offer lateral flow testing together with advice and support services covering finance, fuel and food poverty, digital inclusion and mental health.

Elemental is a tech for good company that works to help organisations to establish, scale and measure the effectiveness of social prescribing. Its social prescribing digital platform aims to enable 1,400 referrals into the hubs and support the Health Board in delivering and measuring their impact on people’s lives.

Jennifer Neff, CEO and co-founder of Elemental, said: “We’re delighted to be working with BCUHB and other partner organisations to support this important initiative that will bring much needed support to the heart of the communities in North Wales that have been most affected by the pandemic.

“North Wales really is leading the way in driving social prescribing innovation and partnerships and Elemental has been working across the region for some time to facilitate a wide range of successful social prescribing programmes.

“We’re excited to be able to enable thousands of residents to receive referrals into the hubs and to support partners in measuring the impact of these vital support hubs.”

Glynne Roberts, TTP Director at BCUHB said: “The North Wales Covid Support Hubs aim to build successful pilot projects designed by the Health Board and local partners.

“We’re grateful to Welsh Government for securing the funding, as these hubs will be vital in our drive to support those local communities hardest hit by the pandemic and lockdown measures.

“By offering practical support in terms of Covid testing together with a wide range of help to tackle self-isolation, financial hardship, fuel and food poverty and mental health, we hope to grow the hub concepts to provide an even greater range of services.

“We’re delighted to be able to build on the excellent relationship we already have with Elemental, who continue to make a real difference in supporting the region’s social prescribing initiatives.”

The lead partners for the Hubs are Flintshire Council Council in Shotton, Citizens Advice Ynys Môn in Holyhead, the MaesNi community group in Maesgeirchen, Grŵp Cynefin housing association in Denbigh, and the Leisure Centre in Plas Madoc working with the We Are Plas Madoc community group.

Pictured: Elemental founders