Health and wellbeing Back on the Map

A Sunderland-based charity has announced plans to transform a former medical centre into a dedicated health hub to address local health inequalities.

Back on the Map has taken on the lease of the former Ashburn Medical Centre in Hendon, with ambitions to develop it into the Hendon Health Hub, bringing vital health services and preventative care directly to the community.

Over the next year, the organisation will engage with local residents to shape a programme designed to improve physical, mental and financial health. The hub will host services delivered by voluntary and public sector partners to tackle serious health disparities in the area.

Jo Cooper, Back on the Map CEO, said: “Back on the Map is a community anchor, rooted in Hendon with trusted relationships locally. Despite our transformative work, Hendon is still an area of high deprivation and health inequalities. 

“Our vision is that the health hub provides a gateway for people to get connected to health services within their community, removing barriers to access for the people most in need.”

In addition to health services, the hub will promote overall wellbeing through activities such as exercise classes and support groups aimed at fostering social connections and reducing isolation, enhancing quality of life for local residents.

Lewis Atkinson, MP for Sunderland Central, added: “The health hub will be of great benefit to the residents of Hendon and this really exemplifies the important work Back on the Map are doing in their community.”

Work on the Health Hub will begin in January 2025 and Back on the Map will be looking for local people in Hendon and community-based partners to co-design the services. For more information contact enquiries@backonthemap.org. 

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