An innovative community facility that will help to reduce social isolation and boost residents’ mental and physical wellbeing has been launched in Middleton.
The new Hub Alkrington, in Hardfield Road, will provide a one-stop centre for adults to access a range of wellbeing and care services.
The £150,000 facility was created by Rochdale Borough Council and formally opened at a ceremony attended by Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Ali Ahmed, council leader Councillor Neil Emmott, local councillors, community groups and local residents.
Residents will be signposted to a range of advice and mental health services for adults, helping to reduce health inequalities and boost wellbeing. Organisations providing services at the facility will include Middleton-based Kickstart with HOPE, who support people with brain injuries, HMR Circle, Mind, Your Trust and the council’s adult care prevention service.
The hub also showcases a virtual smart house, displaying the council’s adult care assistive technology that older and vulnerable residents can access to help enhance independent living.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “This is a shining example of the council providing innovative services for our residents, helping to improve people’s mental wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. It’s about investing in people’s futures by providing high quality, value for money services across the community.”
He added: “I am proud this new service is in Middleton, with the £150,000 cash injection just the start of our investment plans for the area over the coming months, underlining we are a council that delivers, ensuring people have first-class facilities in place to promote independent living and enhance their lives.”
Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, cabinet member for adult care, said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people. It’s clear from seeing the hub at first-hand what a wonderful facility this is going to be for our residents. This service will be at the heart of our prevention strategy, providing residents across the borough with a one-stop shop of high-class wellbeing services, available throughout the year.”