Health and wellbeing village to be built in Wales

The Welsh Government has announced a new £23m integrated health and wellbeing village will be built in Bridgend.

The 4.6 acre project will provide 59 affordable homes, including six supported homes for those who have physical as well as learning disabilities and 10 flats to help people transition from care or supported accommodation.

The new development will connect to the Bridgend Life Centre which incorporates a library, community café, wellness service, sports and recreational facilities including provision of a GP exercise referral service linked to Newbridge Fields.

The new village will be built on the site of former council offices and a magistrates court, and help towards to the continued regeneration of Bridgend itself.

The project is receiving £10.7m from the NHS Wales Capital Programme, £6.6m from Social Housing Grant and the Housing Finance Grant, £480,000 from the Integrated Care Fund capital programme and £315,000 Transforming Towns’ Green Infrastructure Funding, alongside private finance.

The development is a partnership between Welsh Government, the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, Bridgend CBC and Linc Cymru Housing Association.

‘The coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the importance of mental health and wellbeing,’ said Welsh mental health minister, Eluned Morgan.

‘The new health and wellbeing village in Bridgend, will provide a major boost to community care and wellbeing by accommodating a wide range of health and wellbeing resources, including support for frail and older people, vulnerable young people and people with learning difficulties. This should avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital or residential care and delays when someone is due to be discharged from care.’

The Welsh local government minster Julie James added: ‘Recent months have reminded us all of the fundamental importance of good-quality affordable housing and working collaboratively to support people’s health and wellbeing. This scheme will deliver a new and improved model of primary care that has flexible, accommodation led solutions at its heart.

‘This village will not only improve access to a range of services and bring them together but reduce demands for urgent care by allowing more conditions to be treated in a community setting and closer to home.’

Photo Credit – Leninscape (Pixabay)