A centre combining health and community services has opened to combat the poor health record in a deprived ward of Glasgow.

The East End Healthy Living Centre (EEHLC) aims to enhance the physical, mental and social wellbeing of people living in Glasgow’s East End.

A registered charity, the facility will particularly target those who have difficulty accessing mainstream health-related services.

The former Crownpoint Sports Centre building is the home of the EEHLC, which has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the East End Social Inclusion Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund, Glasgow City Council, the Greater Glasgow NHS Board and Sport Scotland.

It is being run by an 18-strong team, reporting to a community-led board of directors, who include representatives of the local community, East End’s voluntary sector and the council.

Facilities include a fitness suite equipped by Star Trac – which offers women-only sessions – and where prices range from £1 to £4 per visit. As well as this, the centre offers a range of exercise classes in the studio, a running track, synthetic and grass pitches, a crèche and a healthy eating café. Other facilities include an arts room, computer room and a training kitchen to host cookery classes.

Complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, massage and counselling will be available as well as smoking cessation sessions and health checks.

The centre is working with a range of local organisations to deliver services that are accessible and meet the needs of local people. As such, the centre has become home to East End Healthy Action, which supports community action to reduce health inequalities; the Alternative Stress Centre, which provides individual therapies, group work and counselling to help people manage stress and the Primary Care Mental Team, which promotes mental health and wellbeing. Details: +44 (0)141 550 5000