New Health Hub in Southend Aims to Help Residents ‘Live Well, Age Well’

A brand-new initiative is launching in Southend this spring, aiming to transform the way local residents—particularly older adults—access health and well-being support, with a new health hub in Southend.

The Salvation Army Southend Citadel will officially open the doors to its new Health Hub on Monday, 29 April, with a special community event titled Live Well Age Well, running from 11am to 1pm. This launch event will take place at the church’s premises in the heart of the city and will bring together a range of health services, community partners, and local residents for an inspiring and informative day focused on healthier living.

The Health Hub is part of a growing effort by The Salvation Army to deepen its support for the Southend community—especially for those aged 60 and over. Through ongoing conversations with local health professionals, voluntary groups, and representatives from Southend-on-Sea City Council, it became clear that many older residents in the area are not engaging with health services until absolutely necessary. This often leads to missed opportunities for early intervention and preventative care.

Some parts of the city, in fact, show a stark health disparity, with life expectancy in certain wards as much as 10 years lower than the national average. In response, The Salvation Army’s community focus group sought out practical ways to close this gap and improve access to services for everyone—regardless of age, background, or income.

According to Major Nicola Brooksbank, who leads the Southend Citadel, the idea for the Health Hub grew organically from existing partnerships and conversations:

“Recognising the vital contributions of our community, we are dedicated to supporting their health and well-being. The Health Hub offers a holistic approach, providing essential services and fostering social connection to enhance the fullness of life in our community,” she explained.
“Once we started talking to our partners about the idea, the interest and support were overwhelming.”

The Health Hub will operate through a mix of professional health services and community-led support. At the launch event, visitors will be able to meet representatives from Age Concern Southend, NHS teams, and Southend-on-Sea City Council. Attendees can expect information on physical health, mental wellness, social activities, and even guidance on managing long-term conditions.

Age Concern Southend will be highlighting some of their key services, including befriending schemes, dementia day care, and a variety of social and fitness classes designed to keep older adults active and connected.

But the Health Hub isn’t just a one-day affair. It marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to embed health and wellness deeper into the fabric of the local community. The Southend Citadel already runs a wide array of supportive programmes, including:

• Employment Plus every Wednesday, which helps people become job-ready with tailored advice and skills development.
• A Friendship Club held on the first Friday of every month, providing a welcoming space for companionship and conversation.

Through these offerings and the new Health Hub, The Salvation Army is ensuring that Southend residents—especially its older population—have the tools and support they need to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

To find out more or get involved, visit the official website: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/southend-citadel