A UNIQUE community wellbeing hub in Worcestershire for those experiencing milder or lower level mental health problems such as anxiety, stress, low mood, worry or depression has celebrated its first anniversary.

During its first year the hub, run by Community First - the community resources arm of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s Healthy Minds service - has helped nearly 3,000 people.

It provides information and signposting for people over the age of 16 who are struggling with mild mental health issues.

The hub is unique to Worcestershire and aims to connect people with the range of courses and groups available across the county run by local non-NHS community providers such as voluntary organisations or charities.

It is estimated that around one in four of us will experience things like stress, anxiety, worry and depression at some time in our lives. Often they are related to issues at work, finances or relationships, but they can also be linked to bereavement or problems connected to drug and alcohol use.

The wellbeing hub uses a single number or email address which is available Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm and is staffed by wellbeing assistants who help people get in touch with the appropriate help and support.

Anyone aged over 16 can contact the hub during its opening hours and they don’t need to be referred from a healthcare professional. However the hub is not there to support people who are experiencing more serious mental health problems or who are in crisis.

Amanda Wright, manager of the Worcestershire Wellbeing Hub, said: “We are really pleased with how the wellbeing hub has been able to help nearly 3,000 in its first year. We have taken calls from all manner of people ranging from GPs and support workers to parents, carers and of course, people looking for help for themselves.

“We were hoping that the hub would make accessing the vast range of excellent community support available across the county much easier, saving people time and additional stress by having them call one simple number, and it seems to be working.”

Anyone wanting to contact the hub can ring 01905 766124 or email WHCNHS.wellbeinghub@nhs.net and for more information about the hub visit www.hacw.nhs.uk/wellbeinghub

• The Worcestershire Healthy Minds service was launched in 2015 ad it also provides NHS courses, including talking therapies, for those who might benefit from them. People can self-refer onto some of these via the website www.hacw.nhs.uk/healthyminds