The mobile Talk Wellbeing Service launched across Herefordshire last year will officially open its first stand-alone location in the centre of Hereford next week (Thursday 15 February).

The service is located at Maylord Orchards (in the old Top Shop/Cult Vintage space) in Hereford and provides free health checks for anyone aged 18 or over who lives or works in the county, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, height and weight measurements.

It’s also a space for people to drop in and talk to experienced NHS healthcare professionals about any issues that are affecting their health and wellbeing, and to receive advice and signposting to support services. It is not intended to replace regular GP services but to complement them by focusing on patient wellbeing and preventative healthcare.

In addition, anyone who is not currently registered with a GP practice can drop into the service to receive help and support to get registered.

Taurus Healthcare will be running the centre in partnership with organisations such as Herefordshire Mind, the Healthy Lifestyles team, Turning Point and Carers Links to provide a range of wellbeing support, advice and guidance.

Dr Sarah Williams, Associate Medical Director at Taurus Healthcare said:

"We are delighted to be able to have a dedicated space to offer health checks, register people at a GP practice, signpost to services and support our population.

We want this to be a real hub for people to come and discuss their needs with us and get help in accessing a wide range of health and wellbeing services.

Our Talk Wellbeing pop-up and mobile clinics are still running in locations across Herefordshire. These aim to reach communities who find it most difficult to engage with healthcare services for any number of reasons, for example transport difficulties, cultural or language barriers, lack of time or opportunity.

But this dedicated space allows us to have a regular location to provide all the services that Talk Wellbeing can offer”.

Details of forthcoming locations for the pop-up and mobile clinics can be found via this Health and Wellbeing webpage.

Dr Ian Tait, Primary Care Clinical Advisor for Prevention at NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said:

“This is a fantastic initiative that brings vital health and wellbeing support and information to people who are most in need including a strong focus on prevention and early intervention.

This dedicated location in Hereford City will work alongside the countywide mobile pop-ups , offering health checks, vaccinations and advice to communities so we can really have a positive impact on everyone’s health and wellbeing."

Matt Pearce, Director for Public Health in Herefordshire said:

“This is fantastic to see Talk Wellbeing services with a storefront location in the centre of Hereford. I would encourage people to drop in and see the new facilities and see what health and wellbeing advice is on offer.

Everyone is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They will help answer any health questions you have. They can also point you in the right direction if you need advice on anything from mental health to money worries.”

Anyone aged 18 or over in Herefordshire can visit a Talk Wellbeing pop-up or the new Maylord’s location without an appointment. People don’t need to be registered with a GP and everyone is welcome.

The Maylord Orchard’s Talk Wellbeing Centre is a partnership between Taurus Healthcare, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Herefordshire Council.

For more information please visit the dedicated webpage.