Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub

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 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 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)

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.

A life lived through live music.

From The Who in 1976 to R.E.M. in 2005, ticket stubs are far more than pieces of paper. They hold memories of special moments, favourite songs, and unforgettable experiences. And looking back, it's incredible to think that a Glastonbury ticket once cost just £28.

Through our Music Mirrors service at the Health, Wellbeing & Care Hub, we help people reconnect with meaningful music memories, using the power of music to support wellbeing, spark conversation, and strengthen connections.

Team Tuesday!

Steph joined the team in February 2025 and brings more than 20 years of NHS experience as a Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse. Her background includes working as a community nurse and as the Learning Disabilities and Autism Nurse Specialist at Colchester Hospital. At the Hub, Steph supports student nurses to deliver healthy living and bereavement groups, conducts health checks, and provides health promotion advice.

What do you love most about your role?
I love the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives. Running groups that positively impact those who attend gives me a real sense of satisfaction and achievement. I also enjoy watching students grow in both their skills and confidence.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing a student experience a "lightbulb moment" when their theoretical learning connects with their practical experience. Seeing them realise the difference they have made to someone's life is incredibly fulfilling and reminds me why I love what I do.

Can you share a moment that made you feel proud of what you do?
After supporting students to facilitate a six-week Navigating Grief programme, one participant shared that she could finally see a reason for living again. Through the group, she came to understand that grief would always be part of her journey, but that it was okay to smile, find happiness and embrace life without guilt.

I was immensely proud of the students for creating a safe and supportive environment that enabled such a powerful transformation. Knowing that our work had contributed to someone finding hope and meaning again was incredibly moving and reinforced the real difference we can make in people's lives.

Another fantastic session yesterday – and we are growing!

Our Living Well with Young Onset Dementia group welcomed another great turn-out yesterday, with even more people joining us for month two.

A huge thank you to Sev and Jane from the Alzheimer's Society for coming along to share invaluable information, advice, and support. It was wonderful to have them with us.

The afternoon was filled with friendly conversation, mutual support, plenty of laughter – and, of course, cake!

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you again next month.

If you know someone who may benefit from joining the group, referrals can be made by completing the referral form on our website through the usual Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub referral route.