A series of sessions offering community support at local GP surgeries are being held across Wigston, South Wigston and Oadby.
Residents will be able to access informal drop-in sessions, running which will take place during the last week of each month, for practical support on issues that can affect health and wellbeing but don’t always need a medical appointment.
The initiative is supported by Leicestershire County Council Local Area Coordinators (LACs), who work closely with GP practices and community organisations to help residents find non‑clinical solutions that can improve their day‑to‑day life.
Partners from across the community also attend the sessions to offer specialist advice and support. Active Blaby recently joined a group session at Two Steeples Medical Centre in Wigston, providing residents with advice on fall prevention and the benefits of staying physically active.
Safina Jamal, Local Area Coordinator for Wigston Magna, said: “These sessions are aimed at residents who may be more difficult to reach and who experience barriers to accessing community support. Many people have non‑clinical concerns that affect their wellbeing, and this approach helps us find practical, community‑based solutions together.
“By working closely with GP surgeries, we can offer earlier support, reduce pressure on GP services and give residents more choice in accessing local help that can improve their health and quality of life.”
Support available at the sessions includes information on local social groups, falls prevention, physical activity opportunities, carers’ support and mental wellbeing services, helping residents to access practical help close to home.
National guidance recommends being active every day, with strength and balance activities at least twice a week, to help reduce the risk of falls. Falls prevention is most effective when people are supported early, before risk factors develop or after a first fall, rather than waiting until a crisis occurs.
This is about putting practical support where people already are at their local GP surgery. These drop‑ins help residents stay active, prevent avoidable falls and connect with local support, which benefits both individuals and the wider health system.
Simple activities such as walking and balance exercises can improve coordination, confidence and stability, helping people stay active and independent for longer.
Person:Councillor Michael Squires, Cabinet Member for Health
Further drop‑in sessions will continue to take place during the last week of each month across the borough, supporting residents to improve their wellbeing through local connections and early, preventative support.
For more information and inspiring stories about being active, visit the Start A Conversation webpage.
For more information, visit the Local Area Coordination webpage.