HUC attended the Bedfordshire and Luton Wellbeing Games at Bedford International Athletic Stadium on Friday 31 July, joining local residents, healthcare professionals and community organisations for a day focused on promoting physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Hosted by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and organised in partnership with East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), the inclusive event brought together people of all ages and abilities to take part in activities, access health information and connect with local support services. Visitors enjoyed a range of activities including Zumba, gym circuits, seated exercise sessions, health assessments and family-friendly entertainment.
Throughout the day, HUC colleagues engaged with residents to raise awareness of NHS 111, hear feedback about local healthcare services and strengthen relationships with partners across Bedfordshire and Luton.
Several attendees shared positive experiences of using NHS 111, highlighting support with urgent medication requests, repeat prescriptions, mental health concerns and access to out-of-hours care. One resident living with a brain injury explained that they use NHS 111 regularly and consistently receive a good service, while others described NHS 111 and the mental health option as reassuring and helpful.
The event also provided valuable opportunities to develop new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships. HUC met Mohammad Yasin MP, Member of Parliament for Bedford, and discussed the organisation’s role in delivering NHS 111 locally, as well as the importance of mental health services in Bedford.
HUC built new links with East Bedford Primary Care Network’s Wellbeing Team, leading to an invitation to attend its monthly Wellbeing Support Coffee Morning. The team also connected with local carers’ organisations, FLAG Bedford and the University of Bedfordshire, creating further opportunities to share information about NHS 111 and strengthen community engagement.
The event highlighted the value of community partnerships in supporting health and wellbeing and generated a range of new opportunities for future collaboration across primary care, social prescribing, carers’ services, education and local communities.