The Health Agency was delighted to welcome John Swinney, First Minister on Wednesday 11 February, as he visited the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre to mark the official opening of the country’s first GP walk-in clinic. The visit highlighted the vital role third-sector organisations play in partnership with local GP practices to improve community health and tackle inequality.
Established in 1998, The Health Agency supports over 2,000 people each year from south-west Edinburgh. We address poverty and health inequality through preventative and early intervention services that provide information, advice and practical support — empowering local people to lead longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Joined by Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh, Lead GP at Wester Hailes Medical Practice, the First Minister heard how our holistic approach complements primary care. We work collaboratively with GPs, healthcare professionals and other charities to understand each person’s circumstances and tailor support plans that connect them to the help they need.
The First Minister heard about the breadth of services we offer, including:
- Tasting Change – providing access to affordable, nutritious food through our Pantry and Community Lunch, helping families stay nourished, resilient and well.
- Positive Moves – supporting people to become more active and make healthier lifestyle choices.
- Mental Wellbeing Services – including counselling, CBT and peer support to help people affected by mental health issues recover and thrive.
- Westerhaven – offering practical and emotional support to people and families affected by cancer and long-term conditions.
- Groups & Peer Support – weekly activities that build connection, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.
A particular highlight of the visit was the opportunity for the First Minister to meet Pauline Johnston, who attends our walking group, women’s group and seated exercise class. Pauline told the First Minister, “Coming along to the groups has made such a difference to me. It keeps me moving, but more than that, it’s the friendships and the feeling of belonging that really matters.”
Zoé Mobey, Chief Executive of The Health Agency, said, “Health is about much more than immediate medical needs. By working alongside our GP colleagues, we can address the wider challenges people face — from isolation to food insecurity — and provide practical, compassionate support that helps people thrive.”
We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase how partnership working is helping tackle health inequalities in Wester Hailes. We look forward to working closely with the new GP Walk-In Clinic to support even more local people who need our help, ensuring they can access the right support at the right time.