Changing the conversation about health

College of Medicine social prescribing champions: The Challenge Hub

In an occasional series, the College of Medicine looks at projects closely aligned with the social prescribing ethos, that inspire people to take better care of their health.

This Month, we’re shining a spotlight on The Challenge Hub, a not-for-profit company that helps people over 55 to maintain a healthy lifestyle via personal challenges and volunteering – that often also make a social contribution too.

THE LOWDOWN

The Challenge Hub is a website-based initiative to help over 55s maintain a healthy lifestyle via physical and mental challenges

The Challenge Hub’s motto is ‘stay active, learn, contribute’ and the company encourages over 55s to find fun and creative ways to stay motivated and healthy as they move out of the workforce into retirement.

Alongside personal challenges, there’s also opportunities to volunteer and The Challenge Hub works frequently with companies to ensure outgoing staff can overcome the challenges that retirement can bring, including feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.

The not-for-profit company also has a volunteering section and encourages registered members to connect, sharing their own ‘Hub Tales’

Individuals and charities looking to get involved register on The Challenge Hub’s website, where they can upload and access forums and ideas – known as ‘Hub Tales’ – that inform, inspire and motivate others.

The company also enables members to connect and set up their own projects, for example walking groups or volunteering schemes, and works closely with charities to ensure the challenges they offer make a useful social contribution.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

For more information on the work The Challenge Hub does, visit www.thechallengehub.org

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