The impact of community hubs
Visitors to the Queens Park Community Hub
In the last two editions of Talk, we’ve told you about some of our community hubs, including Trumpington Meadows.
We invest in hubs where people can meet neighbours or fellow parents, get information on local activities or support.
Seven volunteers came forward to help run the hub and cook for – what turned out to be – 200 visitors. One volunteer was bpha customer Safina. She told us about her experience:
“I'm a full-time mum and a carer for my elderly mother. I suffer a great deal of anxiety, which affects my everyday life.”
“I volunteered at the hub and approached it with passion and enthusiasm and with 100% commitment. It benefits us (the volunteers) in a number of ways, whether mentally, emotionally or socially and it really boosts our confidence and self-esteem”
Community Engagement Officer, Fsella Afzal-Pagliari, said: “I think stepping outside your comfort zone to try something new, while helping others, is so brave. Safina and our other volunteers were instrumental in making the café a success – and the food they managed to produce for such large numbers of people was incredible.
“When we work on hub projects, we hope it will help people get to know their neighbours and develop communities. Sometimes though, we hear from customers like Safina who have benefitted in a different way, and that’s one of the best parts of my job.”
Local partners also provided services to the hub, including Health Watch, Bedford Creative Arts and Citizens Advice. Impakt, a local domestic abuse organisation, also joined us and were able to identify five victims of domestic abuse, who then received support and advice. Impakt also spoke with a number of families in financial hardship and again were able to offer support, including food parcels,
- If you are experiencing domestic abuse, we can help you find the support you need
- If you’re worried about your finances, please contact us – our Money Advice Team can provide free, impartial and confidential advice
- If you’re part of an organisation that could attend a local hub, or you would like to know more, please contact our Community Engagement Team via communityengagement@bpha.org.uk.