A new service is launching to promote long-term health, wellbeing and independence of the mid-Essex community.

The Connect Well service uses ‘social prescribing’ – an approach that seeks to improve people’s health and wellbeing by linking them to activities in the community that they might benefit from.

With the help of 200 trained Social Prescribing Champions, including at Chelmsford City Council, Connect Well uses an online referral system to give residents an easy way to access a wide variety of support and services on their doorstep.

These Champions will meet with members of the public face to face in pharmacies, housing associations, councils, GP practices and other public places in order to assist in signposting to a range of help and through the online Connect Well website.

Communities across the country are increasingly using the "more than medicine" approach of social prescribing, and GPs are keen on the plan which sees early intervention and prevention support and can reduce or postpone the need for health and social care involvement.

Connect Well can help signpost and connect residents in Braintree, Maldon and Chelmsford to activities including:

• Volunteering opportunities

• Befriending and social activities

• Support and self-help groups

• Physical activities

• Managing your money

• Community transport

Connect Well has been funded by the Transformation Challenge Award, from the Department of Community and Local Government (DCLG) through Essex County Council and supported by Public Health.

The initiative has been developed by a wide range of organisations working in partnership, including voluntary organisations, local councils, health, housing and GP practices.

Councillor Anne Brown, Essex County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Healthy Living, said: “When someone needs help, it’s not always for medical issues – sometimes they simply need help accessing support, activities and other services.

"Connect Well is a great way to directly improve people’s health and well-being, support communities’ development and increase social inclusion.”

Councillor Ian Grundy, Chelmsford City Council's Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, says: "This initiative shows what different organisations can achieve when they work in partnership to help residents.

"We are delighted to be Champions for Connect Well, which recognises that wellbeing goes far beyond visiting your doctor.

"The service gives Chelmsford residents an easy, quick way to access support that helps with their specific situation."

More information about Connect Well, which launches on Thursday, February 11 at 10am and how to get involved can be found at connectwellessex.org.uk