For the last year, The United Reformed Church Hall in New Malden has played host to a weekly Well Hub, helping to support borough residents during the current cost of living crisis.

The hub, which has been a designated warm space for local residents during the worst of the winter, also offers a subsidised hot lunch prepared freshly by the hub's cook as well as access to volunteers, a Department of Work and Pensions benefit advisor, carers advice and a health visiting drop-in for those with children and babies under five.

Zerrin Buckle, Social Prescribing Network Lead working out of the nearby New Malden and Worcester Park Primary Care Network, attends the hub each week and has been responsible for bringing other helpful services on board.

Ms Buckle said: "As a social prescriber I am equipped to help patients will all different aspects of their health and wellbeing, whether that is the effects of loneliness and isolation or worry and anxiety that are stemming from financial hardship.

"Being able to reach out to the community this way has been really helpful. Often people are more relaxed in this setting and I can speak to those that may not have known what social prescribers can offer and never have made an appointment to see me.

"It's been fantastic to see the hub develop. It started with just me and now we have other services regularly joining us, as well as the lunch club and support groups. It's a great space with fabulous volunteers."

The Living Well Hub in New Malden offers a range of services for residents including carers advice and a health visiting drop-in for those with children and babies under five (Credit: SWL Integrated Care System)

One local resident who regularly attends the hub, added: "As a support worker, I went in to enquire about what help could be given, I left with food bank vouchers, debt advice and a slimmer's world code for 12 weeks for the vulnerable adult I support and myself."

The Living Well Hub runs from 11am - 2pm every Thursday and all Kingston residents are welcome to attend. The United Reformed Church can be found on New Malden Road, KT3 6DR.