Dozens of people attended the launch of the Sheppey Community Health Hub.

The service, which is at the leisure complex off Royal Road, Sheerness, was officially opened by MP Gordon Henderson last Friday.

It houses information and advice about issues including sexual health, stopping smoking, weight loss, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health and wellbeing and was set up by Sheppey Matters with a £45,000 grant from Kent County Council’s public health purse.

There was a special stand as part of Diabetes Awareness Week throughout the week, which gave out leaflets to anyone wanting help and support with the condition.

The revamped Waterfront Cafe, which will now act as an exhibition space for local artists, was also launched.

Members of East Kent Mencap’s Art and Design With a Difference Group have an art and photography display, called Outside the Box, on at the centre all this week and are the first group to showcase their work there.

About 70 people went along to watch Mr Henderson cut a ribbon, including partners, councillors and community groups which are making use of the hub’s two free-to-hire rooms.

Project coordinator for Sheppey Matters Heather Thomas-Pugh said: “It was absolutely amazing.

“Everybody was in awe of the beautiful mural in the cafe and the hub is doing really well – we are really pleased and it’s surpassed how I expected it to be.

“I would like to thank everyone who came along to the launch – the support we were given was tremendous.”