East Cross clinic refurbished for Tenterden Social Hub’s EC30 project

Site: East Cross Clinic

Customers: Tenterden Social Hub

Contractors: Groundwork

NHSPS representatives: Susan Swaffer, Regional partnership director (South East), David Harrison (Operations), and Jane Saunders (Operations facilities coordinator); Kate Henry (SPM from Asset Management) and William Everson (Planning).

East Cross Clinic has been redeveloped in two phases. Phase 1 focussed on the delivery of a not-for-profit charity shop and community café operated by the Tenterden Social Hub which fronts the facility. Safe and secure environment to access services including adult & child mental health services, domestic abuse, school food larder and financial help will be provided behind this, all of which are recognised as lacking in the borough of Ashford. However, the outdoor space surrounding the site was not being utilised. NHSPS, Groundwork and Tenterden Social Hub had to work together to see how the space could best be used to serve the community.

Phase 2 of the development focusses on the outside space surrounding the hub. The land behind EC30 has been sectioned out to local horticultural societies including men in sheds, the local schools, and mindful gardening. The renovation consits of bifold doors, making the space accessible for wheelchair users. It also includes a ‘Happy to Chat Bench’, which will allow users to meet new people and engage with others in their community which is critical to COVID-19 relief. NHSPS have worked with Groundworks, a UK-wide social and environmental charity, to complete the project with local businesses and community groups involved from start to finish, emphasising that this is a community development.

Patients and residents of Tenterden and the surrounding areas can now access a range of new services in a non-clinical environment but adjacent to the GP practice for ease. The development has also reduced operating costs as the site was previously vacant. The EC30 project now have the space to delivery key social and community services needed within the area.

“We are absolutely delighted – it is fantastic support for services which have been highlighted as essential throughout the pandemic and will continue to be in high demand for many years to come. Tenterden Social Hub has been part of the community for 40 years and this is a natural development opportunity for the charity.” 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring Health and Social Care together and build on the tremendous footings already in place. This project has the potential to embed essential services as part of our community and the surrounding areas and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”