North Powys Community and Voluntary Sector organisations share their views on the proposed Health & Wellbeing Hub in Newtown

On 28 July, our partners at Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys County Council held a drop-in event for North Powys community and voluntary sector organisations at Hafan yr Afon. The event gave attendees the opportunity to find out more about the proposed Health & Wellbeing Hub in Newtown. 

Organisations had the opportunity to view the latest designs and plans for services moving into the Hub, share their ideas, discuss the sector’s future role within the Hub, and meet the North Powys Wellbeing Programme team. Attendees could also take part in an optional site walk. 

For organisations unable to attend on the day, we have summarised the feedback we heard.

Attendees were invited to consider what people should experience when they first enter the proposed Health & Wellbeing Hub. 

Responses centred around the following themes:

1. Putting people first
   There was a strong hope that the Hub would place people at the heart of its design and delivery. Participants consistently expressed support for a welcoming human presence at the front door, with digital services complementing rather than replacing face-to-face support. 

There was also a shared aspiration for the Hub to feel safe, welcoming and community-focused, with positive experiences shaped not only by the physical environment but also by the way people are greeted, supported and helped to navigate the building.

2. Creating a community-led and inclusive Hub
   Participants shared a clear vision for the Hub to become a valued community asset as well as a healthcare facility. There was strong support for involving Third Sector organisations, local communities and people with lived experience throughout both the design process and future operation. 

Attendees also hoped the Hub would be inclusive and accessible for everyone, including disabled people, young people, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent people and those who may face barriers to accessing digital services.

3. Extending support beyond the building
   There was recognition that the Hub has an opportunity to reach people in a variety of ways. While creating an accessible physical space was seen as important, participants also hoped outreach services would continue to support those who may be unable to travel, ensuring services are available to communities wherever they are needed. 

The majority of Third Sector organisations will continue to operate from their existing locations in Newtown, with the Hub providing information and signposting to help people access their services. 

4. Providing clarity and building understanding
   Participants welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the Hub and expressed a desire for clear, consistent information about its purpose, the services it will provide and how it will operate. Participants frequently challenged features where the rationale was unclear, particularly the snack bar. 

There was a broader expectation that every aspect of the Hub should have a clearly communicated purpose and demonstrable benefit to the community. Plain language and open communication were identified as important to building understanding and confidence.

5. Supporting long-term success
   There was a shared hope that the Hub would be supported by sustainable investment to enable it to deliver lasting benefits. Participants recognised the important role of volunteers, community organisations and ongoing services and highlighted the value of ensuring these are appropriately resourced to support the Hub’s long-term success.
6. Building confidence through engagement
   Underlying much of the feedback was a desire for confidence that the Hub will evolve in a way that meets local needs and aspirations. There was enthusiasm for continued community involvement, transparent communication and visible evidence that local feedback is informing design decisions. Participants felt these elements would help build confidence in the Hub and create a welcoming, trusted resource for the community.

Additional feedback also highlighted questions around:

• Capacity and infrastructure: parking, traffic, transport, healthcare capacity and room availability.
• Community confidence and engagement: concerns about relocating the library to the new Hub, consultation fatigue, community access and archaeology/community land.
• Affordability and accessibility: parking charges, room hire costs, transport and accessible parking.
• Future-proof, multi-use facilities: healthcare services, digital equipment and flexible community spaces.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and shared their views. The feedback has been shared with the North Powys Wellbeing Programme team, who are preparing a response.

If you would like to add your thoughts or find out more about the proposed Health & Wellbeing Hub, visit the North Powys Wellbeing Programme website: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/hub-page/north-powys-wellbeing