HealthWORKS Newcastle

The purpose of HealthWORKS is to find new ways of helping people to better health, whatever their age, health problems, ability or background. We work across the city to support people living in areas of high need to make positive lifestyle changes which can improve their health and wellbeing. Our work covers the whole life course from breast feeding support to physical activity classes for older people at risk of falls. We also deliver services and activities from our two centres, The Health Resource Centre in Benwell and the Lemington Centre, where we offer low cost activities at our community gyms. The Lemington Centre is also a Sure Start Children’s Centre. Volunteers at Lemington provide a community café and at Benwell refreshment drop-in sessions. We focus on recruiting local people and provide training and support so that they develop into skilled peer health advocates, with in-depth local knowledge and understanding of the barriers and day to day pressures people face which make life complicated and challenging.