Pioneering health, wellbeing and care hub opened at Essex University

Will Quince MP, High Sherriff of Essex Charles Bishop, and health and council leaders were present to celebrate the opening of the new hub and institute of public health and wellbeing (IPHW).

It is based in the ground floor of the £10.7m Clinghoe House development at Parkside on the Colchester campus.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster cut the ribbon to mark the official launch with Emma Blowers, who takes on the role of hub manager in April.

Fun - Colchester MP Will Quince takes part in a demonstration of neuro-rehabilitation using augmented reality glasses (Image: Steve Brading)

Prof Forster said: “This represents a major leap forward in how we work with our partners in the health and wellbeing sector, how we deliver services to the public, the way we approach research and the transformational learning experience we offer our students."

The Hub is set to become a centre of excellence in health and care-related research with both the NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) overseeing provision and the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB delivering, in partnership, services. 

Sessions hosted by the services on the day included neurorehabilitation, neurodiversity awareness, falls prevention, upper limb and hand therapy, relationship wellbeing, and autism parent and carer support.