THE HEALTH conscious of Reading can now boost their amateur medical knowledge at free drop in clinics.

Reading Walk-In Health Centre has launched weekly Wellbeing Wednesday sessions designed to help people help themselves.

A stand staffed by charities and specialist groups such as Macmillan, The Lullaby Trust, the Stroke Association, carers and community groups will be available each week at the centre in Broad Street Mall.

The scheme was set up by regional manager Suzy Jackson in a bid to help patients improve their health and wellbeing, take control of their own conditions and get help and advice at a time that is convenient for them.

She said: “It’s so important to ensure that people are given the opportunity to access advice and information - it may be a new parent who is worried there may be problems with their child’s sleep, or someone who’s partner has had a stroke and they need advice about caring for them or need to know what local support is out there.

"Perhaps someone has just moved to the UK and is unsure about how to access services and healthcare.

“The subject changes every week and on a Wednesday, we will have experts from the chosen organisation available to help answer questions and give advice.

“However, the stand and the leaflets will remain there for the week so people can just drop in and pick up the information that they need as and when they can.”

The following sessions are coming up:

March 29 – Ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and Autism Awareness

April 5 - Introduction to English Language and Culture Earley Crescent Resource Centre

April 12 - Parkinson’s Awareness and Compass Recovery College (mental health)

April 19 – Reading Carers Hub

April 26 – Immunisations If you are part of a community group that would like to have a stall as part of Wellbeing Wednesday, contact Suzy on Suzy.Jackson@virgincare.co.uk.