Health Compass Group continuing to support residents across Castle Point
Cllr Rob Lillis, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Housing recently dropped in on a session at Runnymede Leisure Centre to see first-hand how The Health Compass is helping residents improve their health and wellbeing through education, support and practical lifestyle changes.
The Health Compass has been established through a partnership between Castle Point Active's Community Wellbeing Ambassadors and Benfleet Primary Care Network (PCN), providing an additional layer of health and wellbeing support for Benfleet residents, PCN patients and Castle Point Active customers. The programme is particularly beneficial for people referred through Castle Point Active's Active Wellbeing Membership scheme.
Delivered by Community Health Coach Matt Laing, the rolling six-week programme brings people together in a welcoming group environment to explore a range of topics including physical activity, nutrition, mental wellbeing, sleep, recovery and behaviour change. Participants are supported to develop the confidence and tools needed to build healthy habits that can be sustained long term.
Cllr Rob Lillis said of the visit:
"It was great to see the great work of The Health Compass programme and spend some time with some of the local people taking part. I found the session informative and engaging, and it was wonderful to feel the supportive atmosphere in the session. Initiatives like this are incredibly important in supporting preventative healthcare and empowering people to take control of their wellbeing."
Matt, who has a background in physical activity and previously worked as a personal trainer, is passionate about helping people develop self-confidence and the knowledge needed to make lasting lifestyle changes.
The programme operates as a rolling series of six workshops, with the first cohort due to complete the programme next week. While the initial participants have primarily been patients referred through Benfleet PCN, the group is open to residents from across the Borough.
People can access the programme by speaking to their GP surgery or through self-referral to Castle Point Active's Community Wellbeing Team by emailing Wellbeing@castlepoint.gov.uk.
Following completion of the programme, participants receive personalised guidance on next steps, including opportunities through social prescribing services, community activities and Castle Point Active's free 12-week wellbeing programme, ensuring ongoing support beyond the initial six weeks.
The Health Compass takes place every Monday at 11am at Runnymede Leisure Centre. After this series has completed, the next series will commence on 16/11/26 to 21/12/26.