Sue Tappenden, project manager for the Well-Being part of Wilson gave an update on the project. South West London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) had provided a statement saying that the CGG is working with NHS Property Services on options for development of a Mitcham health and wellbeing hub (including the Wilson site), but as yet there is no timetable for work to start. The CCG will engage with the community at the appropriate time.  The CCG is hopeful there will be more developments to share over the coming months.

In 2019 there was a decision to use parts of the Wilson Hospital for a well-being space on an interim basis. Wilson Wellbeing Steering Group was set up to develop the project. Chaired by Diana Sterck, Steering Group members include representatives from local community organisations and local residents. The project started work late 2019 and all the Group’s meeting minutes are available on the MVSC website.  The Group is working with the local community to identify services and gaps to support the expansion and delivery of wellbeing services and activies to support local residents.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 has impacted greatly on progress and development work has been extremely difficult over the last year.

On a positive note, working with the CCG, NHS Property Services developed an improved and more flexible wellbeing space at The Wilson at the end of 2020 as part of their social prescribing initiative.  The space is currently being used for the vaccine clinic.  As restrictions lift and the vaccine programme changes, it is anticipated that the space will become available for use by the local community to deliver wellbeing services and activities. Space will be free of charge to hire for small organisations/group and available at a competitive rate for larger organisations. The social prescribing initiative is also developing a community garden at the Wilson for use by local residents.

Cllr Chung asked about publicity for the service. Sue said this was put on hold during COVID but they are developing a website with all the relevant information and a way of booking the space. It will also ask residents to suggest activities that will benefit the community.

A resident asked about the long term prospects, as residents are concerned. Sue said she understands the frustration and will ensure that the CCG are aware that there is still a high level of interest in future plans.

A resident asked about booking rooms at the Wilson and Sue said she could be emailed until the website is ready. A resident said there is also a community garden at the Canons. Sue has been talking with the Canons project team but the two sites will have very different offers.

Cllr Gretton asked how we could encourage young people to take up more outdoor activities. Sue said that the Wilson Wellbeing would not be limited to just the Wilson site and they would be looking to work with other partners and collaborators to support a wide range of projects and ideas.

Cllr Chung said that the Wilson is important to the health and wellbeing and can be a major factor in closing the gap between East and West of the borough.