The newly refurbished Wellhouse Community Space at Beech Village Hall was opened on January 25 by former GP Dr Hugh Bethell, founder of the Cardiac Health charity in Alton.

The Wellhouse is a dedicated space designed to support well-being for the local community.

Dr Bethell said: “The mental health of our population is much in need of what this centre offers.

“When I was a practising GP, about 25 per cent of consultations were for mental health and psychological problems. The rate is now reckoned to be between 40 and 50 per cent. The prescription of anti-depressant drugs has risen seven-fold since the 1990s.

“When seeking help for emotional distress of one sort or another, the medical profession is not always the most appropriate source of support. Choice of a range of possible approaches is a great strength.”

The opening took place at the first Beech Health and Wellbeing Fair, where visitors were able to talk to a wide range of experts to find information, inspiration and support for their physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The Wellhouse is attached to Beech Village Hall and has been thoughtfully refurbished to support well-being sessions for individuals or small groups.

Most of the £140,000 refurbishment cost was paid by grants from the Veolia Environmental Trust, the National Lottery Communities Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Enterprise MobilityTM, Beech Parish Council, Alton Town Council and East Hampshire District Council.

The rest came from the Beech Village Hall and Recreation Ground charity’s reserves and donations from village residents.

Richard Whitaker, chair of the Beech Village Hall and Recreation Ground charity, said: “It’s taken 18 months to transform a musty, cold old annexe into the warm, welcoming space we have today.

“Many practitioners are queuing up to book it. Their services will be available to everyone in the village and local area. It’s also here to give Beech people a space to connect, learn and grow together in any way they choose.”