LEARNING to play the ukelele, dance the tango or discover Nordic walking is helping Halton patients to feel better.

A trailblazing project is offering people at all 17 community wellbeing GP practices across the borough alternative ways to improve their health.

Wellbeing Enterprises is the first wellbeing community interest company in the country.

Halton Clinical Commissioning Group is championing their holistic approach to health.

Wellbeing’s 23 specialist staff and volunteers have helped 2,500 patients in Runcorn and Widnes to combat various social and practical problems which hindered their health.

It has been nominated for a top award in the NHS ‘Oscars’, The National Association of Primary Care Best Practice, for health and wellbeing innovation of the year.

The project has also become one of only 12 organisations in the UK to offer grants to anyone who can come up with imaginative ideas for social change.

Mark Swift, aged 33, founder and chief executive officer, said: “We deliver a unique service.

“My team provides one-to-one support to patients who have barriers in their life.

“We look at the route cause of people’s problems, their skills, talents and capabilities.

“We develop a wellbeing plan to help them move forward, provide ongoing support and help them get back on their feet.”

Some 2,239 people have learnt new skills, started volunteering, connected with old friends and re-discovered the joy of visiting parks.

Research reveals that 64 per cent experienced higher levels of wellbeing through this intervention.

Doctors found that 50 per cent showed an improvement in their overall health.

Mr Swift added:”We see a whole raft of patients from long term conditions to moderate mental health difficulties.

“Our communities have skills and talents that need to be tapped.

“If we can mobilise that creative energy, we can create a better place to live and tackle isolation and loneliness.

“We are passionate about helping people to make a difference.”

To seek help or suggest an idea, call Wellbeing Enterprises on 01928 589799 or email info@wellbeingenterprises.org.uk