Anchor innovation

Support Hub at Broomfield Hospital

The Support Hub is a new space at Broomfield Hospital that helps people find the support they need to stay healthy and well. It is open to patients, visitors and staff.

The Hub uses Essex Frontline, a simple online tool where you can search for local services and ask for a call‑back or referral. It helps you find the right support quickly and easily.

 What you can find at the Support Hub

You can get information and support for:

• mental health and wellbeing
• stopping smoking
• losing weight and healthy eating
• addiction support
• help for young people and families
• support for older people
• disability and neurodiversity
• veterans’ services
• carer support
• employment and training help.

The Hub also includes:

• A self‑service health check machine
• A private pod where you can talk in confidence

 Why we created the Support Hub

We want to make it easier for people to:

• get help early
• stay healthy for longer
• feel supported when leaving hospital
• Avoid coming back into hospital if it isn’t needed.

The Hub connects the hospital with community services so people can get help close to home.

 

 Working together

The Support Hub has been created by NHS Mid and South Essex and Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, using national WorkWell funding.

We are working with:

• community groups
• charities
• public health teams

These partners can meet people in the Hub, share information about their services, and encourage people to use the tools available.

What the Hub aims to do

• help people find the right support at the right time
• reduce health inequalities
• support carers, veterans, older adults, people with disabilities, and those with long‑term conditions
• encourage people to manage their own health and wellbeing
• connect people to trusted local services.

 

What is the Social Spark Hub?
The Social Spark Hub is a new building in Basildon town centre.
It will be next to South Essex College.
The Hub will be easy for local people to visit, especially people who may need extra support.

What will happen at the Hub?
The Hub will be a safe and friendly space where:

• people can learn more about their health
• local groups can run activities and events
• students can build skills and get work experience
• the NHS and community groups can work together to help local people.

Who is involved?
The Hub is being created by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Many other partners are helping, including:

• Basildon Council
• Essex County Council
• South Essex College
• Local charities and community groups

These partners will work together to support the health and wellbeing of local people.

Why is the Hub important?
The Hub will help reach people who may not normally use NHS services.
It will bring services closer to home.
It will support people with their health, skills, and confidence.
It will make it easier for people to share their ideas and experiences.

How it supports students at South Essex College
The Hub will give students chances to:

• work on real NHS projects
• learn digital and problem‑solving skills
• volunteer and gain experience
• get support with their wellbeing

A college representative will join the Hub’s Steering Group and help with planning.

Money and building plans
The Hub is funded by a national research organisation called NIHR.
The land will be leased from the college at a very low cost.
The building will be a modular unit (a building made in sections).
The Trust has chosen a supplier, and final plans are being agreed.
If everything goes well, the Hub should be ready by October 2026.

How the Hub will help the community
The Hub will:

• help more people take part in health projects and research
• improve health by offering local activities and support
• bring together the NHS, councils, colleges, charities, and communities
• support the local economy and create new opportunities
• become a long‑term, sustainable community space

In summary
The Social Spark Hub will be a positive new space in Basildon.
It will support students, local people, and NHS partners.
It aims to improve health, build skills, and create stronger communities.
The Hub will be a place where everyone can learn, share ideas, and get support.

Since 2019, Basildon Hospital has run a project to support young people who attend A&E, often with social, emotional, or mental health challenges.

Youth workers are based in the department five to seven days a week, offering one-to-one support, safe spaces, and referrals to services like mental health, family support, and education.

Impact so far

• 437 young people supported (ages 11–19, or up to 25 with SEND).
• 40% reduction in repeat A&E visits after youth worker contact.
• £87,000 in estimated cost savings.

If you live or work in Basildon, Laindon, Vange or Pitsea, and work at MSEFT in pay bands 2–4, you may be eligible for a free bike through Essex Pedal Power—a county-wide initiative to make cycling more accessible. The programme removes barriers to cycling by offering:

• Free bike loans (with the option to keep the bike after 6 months).
• Safety gear (helmet, lock, lights, pump).
• Cycle training and maintenance support.
• Community cycling groups.
• Bikes are GPS-tracked to help improve local infrastructure and understand how people are travelling.

Eligibility

• Live in Basildon, Laindon, Vange or Pitsea.
• Work at our Trust in pay bands 2–4.
• Applications are first-come, first-served.
• This project is delivered by The Active Wellbeing Society, in partnership with us, Basildon Council, Active Essex, Essex County Council, Sport England, and others.

Apply now

If you meet the criteria, complete the form at  https://forms.monday.com/forms/dfbc05d5ab6761eb18558201fe240abb?r=euc1. 

For more information, visit http://www.activeessex.org/essex-pedal-power/essex-pedal-power-basildon.