Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub

Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub Welcome to the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub at the University of Essex. On this page we will share future events as well as the services we offer.

The Hub is built on three pillars: clinical research, workforce development and meeting community needs.

Team Tuesday!Alison, an Occupational Therapist, joined the University of Essex in February 2021, working online to deliv...
25/08/2026

Team Tuesday!

Alison, an Occupational Therapist, joined the University of Essex in February 2021, working online to deliver placement opportunities to Occupational and Speech and Language Therapy students. This is now part of the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub’s hybrid placement offer as part of an excellent multidisciplinary team.

What did you train as an Occupational Therapist?
I wanted to be part of the healthcare sector, providing help to the clients. Occupational Therapy means that we see them in a different ‘light’ – seeing them as people rather than a diagnosis. We work on client centred goals, so every day is different!

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The most enjoyable part of the job is the students developing more confidence during their placement.
Working with the service users that the students are impacting and the service users are contributing to the student’s development. A two-way street!



Service Spotlight!Living well with CancerA cancer diagnosis can impact many aspects of daily life, but you don't have to...
21/08/2026

Service Spotlight!

Living well with Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can impact many aspects of daily life, but you don't have to navigate it alone.

The Living well with Cancer service at the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub supports people affected by cancer to improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. We provide information, guidance, and personalised support to help you access the services and resources that matter most to you.

Support may include:
• Personalised exercise programmes to support your physical health and recovery
• Advice on nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, fatigue management, smoking cessation, and alcohol awareness
• Wellbeing support to help build resilience and confidence
• Practical tools to help you stay active, informed, and empowered throughout your cancer journey

To make a referral, visit our website: https://www.essex.ac.uk/health-wellbeing-and-care-hub/our-services/living-well-with-cancer

For enquiries, contact: [email protected]




🎉 Today, the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub proudly received its Inclusive Dementia Communities Certificate, recognising...
20/08/2026

🎉 Today, the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub proudly received its Inclusive Dementia Communities Certificate, recognising our commitment to improving the lives of people affected by dementia, including individuals, families, carers and staff.

Sarah Watson and Adam Brunning were delighted to receive the certificate from Melanie Williamson, Integrated Dementia Commissioner at Essex County Council, and Mark Neville from the Alzheimer's Society.

This recognition reflects our ongoing dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive and dementia-friendly community for all.




Join us at the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub as we welcome Dr Jess Leov and Emma Shaw for an engaging discussion on cha...
19/08/2026

Join us at the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub as we welcome Dr Jess Leov and Emma Shaw for an engaging discussion on changing brains, changing bodies, and the journey into motherhood

Join Dr Jess Leov and guest presenter Emma Shaw (StartStrong Fitness CIC) as we dive back into the fascinating changes a mother's brain and body go through during pregnancy (and beyond). This session includes fresh insights from new research (published in March) on how the brain changes after a second pregnancy. So even if you caught January's coffee morning on brain changes during pregnancy, there's new ground to cover!

We're excited to welcome Emma (), sharing practical insights and tips on how parent-and-baby exercise supports both physical and mental health.

Tea, biscuits, and toys provided ☕

Free tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-morning-with-essex-babylab-tickets-1994828409472

‘Changing Brains, Changing Bodies: The transition to motherhood'
📅 Thursday 27th August 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 11:30 AM
📍 At Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub (CO4 3GS)
We're really looking forward to it. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Team Tuesday!Emily joined the Hub team in April 2026. She has 15 years’ experience working in paediatric Speech and Lang...
18/08/2026

Team Tuesday!

Emily joined the Hub team in April 2026. She has 15 years’ experience working in paediatric Speech and Language Therapy for the NHS, helping families and young people with their communication. Emily currently supports our Speech and Language Therapy students to deliver face-to-face and online therapy at the Hub and in schools.

What motivates you in your role?
I am especially passionate about helping neurodivergent children find their voice, and to be able to understand and advocate their communication and sensory preferences. Currently, I am working with the Occupational Therapy team to develop a service that incorporates this passion.

What always makes your smile at work?
Since joining the Hub, I have loved seeing and supporting the journey of our students and service users, and love the energy of the Hub environment, the multi-disciplinary working, and focus on improvement and development. I also enjoy the view from my office window, and that fact that there is always chocolate to find in the office, thanks to our generous students and visitors!






Last Friday, the Hub team stepped back from our day-to-day work to focus on the future. Through collaborative discussion...
17/08/2026

Last Friday, the Hub team stepped back from our day-to-day work to focus on the future. Through collaborative discussions and shared ideas, we began shaping our strategy for the years ahead.
And because the whole team was together, we made the most of the opportunity with a visit to Beth Chatto Gardens. A fantastic afternoon of fresh air, great conversations, and team bonding. 🌼🌱




Our next coffee morning will take place at the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub (CO4 3GS). Swipe to see directions to the ...
07/08/2026

Our next coffee morning will take place at the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub (CO4 3GS). Swipe to see directions to the Hub and parking details. Have you got your free ticket yet? https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-morning-with-essex-babylab-tickets-1994828409472?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0jlkesgx&fbclid=IwY2xjawTie_ZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTJKbkZvV0hpeklWVVpFRG5zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEehgxtAk05r2hQ-NLxoRo2xiCbSfWYO0zrW8u2ghOBlvosXwuXzTigyffra7A_aem_qy1j57Ai1W8-MvgpfJ2tIQ
‘Changing Brains, Changing Bodies: The transition to motherhood'
📅 Thursday 27th August 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 11:30 AM
📍 At Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub (CO4 3GS)

07/08/2026

As student nurses, we are learning that nursing does not just happen in hospitals. It happens in communities, at events, and through everyday conversations.

Every interaction is an opportunity to educate, empower and support people to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities we have had at the Health and Wellbeing Hub and to everyone who has welcomed us into their community. These experiences are helping shape us into compassionate, confident, and knowledgeable future nurses, and we are excited to continue learning every step of the way.

Here is a little glimpse into what we have been getting up to. 💙🩺







Celebrating connection through music.These smiles say it all!Over four weekly one-hour sessions, our wonderful OT studen...
06/08/2026

Celebrating connection through music.

These smiles say it all!

Over four weekly one-hour sessions, our wonderful OT student, Tulsa, supported participants to explore the Music Mirror process, using meaningful songs, theme tunes and sounds to reflect on their lives, experiences and identities.

A fantastic example of person-centred practice in action, this project highlights the powerful role music can play in supporting wellbeing, self-expression and a sense of belonging.





05/08/2026

Making a cuppa might seem simple—but have you ever stopped to think about all the skills involved? ☕🧠

From upper limb strength and coordination to hand–eye coordination, fine motor skills, cognition, and spatial awareness, making a cup of tea is a meaningful everyday occupation that involves multiple body systems working together.

Occupational therapy is all about understanding these everyday activities and helping people regain the skills they need to do the things that matter most.

What is an everyday task you would like me to break down next?






Address

Health, Wellbeing And Care Hub, Clingoe House, Knowledge Gateway, University Of Essex, Boundary Road
Colchester
CO43ZL

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

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