Former library turns a page and becomes a new health, wellbeing and education hub

The official opening of WELL Runcorn has today (Thursday 10 September) marked a significant milestone in the transformation of the former Runcorn Library into a modern health, wellbeing and education hub.

The facility has been developed through a partnership between North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Halton Borough Council and Riverside College, bringing a wide range of services and support together under one roof. 

WELL Runcorn, which stands for wellbeing, education and lifelong learning, forms part of the wider Reconnecting Runcorn programme, a £23.6 million regeneration initiative funded through the Government's Towns Fund programme. The hub aims to make it easier for residents to access joined-up support closer to home, while also helping to strengthen and revitalise Runcorn Old Town.

Located on Granville Street, WELL Runcorn provides access to a broad range of health, wellbeing, education, training and community services in a welcoming and accessible environment. Services available from the facility include community midwifery, infant feeding support, neurodevelopmental assessments, vaccinations, mental health support, pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management programmes, NHS health checks and adult learning opportunities.

Welcoming guests at the launch event, Andy Carter, chair of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, said:

"WELL Runcorn is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations come together around a shared ambition to improve the lives of our communities.

"This hub is much more than a building. It is a welcoming space that brings health, wellbeing, education and support services together under one roof, on the High Street, making it easier for residents to access the help they need.

"I would like to thank all of the partners, community representatives and residents who have helped shape this facility. Together, we have created something that will benefit the people of Runcorn for many years to come."

Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust said:

"WELL Runcorn represents an important step forward in bringing healthcare and wellbeing support closer to the communities we serve. North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust will be delivering a range of services from the hub, including community midwifery, child health, vaccination, rehabilitation and pain management services, helping people access support in a convenient and connected way.

"Just as importantly, the hub enables partners from across health, local government, education and the community sector to work together around the needs of residents. By combining our expertise and resources in one place, we can improve access, intervene earlier and help people live healthier, more independent lives.

"We have already seen the positive impact this approach can have through the Living Well Hub in Warrington, and WELL Runcorn builds on that success story by creating another space where organisations work together to support stronger, healthier communities."

Mary Murphy OBE, principal of Riverside College, said:

"By bringing education, wellbeing and community services together under one roof, we have created a welcoming and accessible space where local people can access support, build confidence, develop new skills and take positive steps towards improving their lives and future opportunities.

"We are proud that Riverside College has dedicated classrooms within the hub, bringing learning closer to the local community. Through collaboration with our partners, we can help more adults access education, develop valuable skills and unlock new opportunities for their future. We look forward to seeing WELL Runcorn become a place where people feel inspired to learn, grow and achieve their ambitions."

Dr Ifeoma Onyia, director of public health at Halton Borough Council, said:

"Through our involvement in this project, Halton Borough Council has helped create a space that supports residents in many ways. Whether someone wants to improve their wellbeing, develop new skills, access advice or connect with others in their community, WELL Runcorn provides opportunities to do so in an accessible and supportive environment.

“We are so excited to see the positive difference this space will make for individuals, families and communities across the borough".

Trish Bennett, Mersey Care’s chief executive said:

“Mersey Care is proud to be a partner in this exciting development, bringing services closer together and making it easier for people to access support when and where they need it.

“We look forward to working alongside our partners in this fantastic new community space and seeing the positive difference it will make for the people of Runcorn for many years to come.”

Councillor Pamela Wallace, Mayor of Halton, was asked to cut the ribbon and officially open the facility. She said:

"The former library has long been an important part of our town's history, and it is wonderful to see it given a new lease of life as a modern hub supporting health, wellbeing and lifelong learning.

"This facility represents a real investment in our residents and our future, and I am proud to celebrate what can be achieved when organisations work together for the good of our community. I look forward to welcoming everyone to this exciting new chapter for Runcorn."

The hub has been shaped through engagement with residents, service users, clinicians, volunteers and accessibility advocates, helping to ensure the facility meets the needs of the community it serves. 
Partners hope WELL Runcorn will become a focal point for community wellbeing, lifelong learning and integrated support for many years to come.

General manager of WELL Runcorn is Esme Polshaw. She said:

"It is incredibly exciting to see WELL Runcorn officially open its doors and begin welcoming people into this fantastic new space.

"Whether you're attending an appointment, looking for advice and support, taking part in a course, or simply finding out what's available, we want WELL Runcorn to be a place where people feel comfortable, connected and supported.

"I am so proud to be part of this new chapter for Runcorn. We're open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, so please do pop in and say hello and see for yourself everything WELL Runcorn has to offer."