A ‘Community Hub’ designed to improve access to a range of local services in one place has opened in Workington on a pilot basis.
The hub, an initiative led by Cumberland Council, is located in Workington Library with the idea being to support residents to access support as early as possible across a number of areas. The council has brought some of its services and those run by partners such as local charities together under one roof in a convenient location.
At varying times, residents will be able to apply for blue badges, school clothing grants, and free school meals, enquire about waste permits, report problems on the roads, speak to someone about health and wellbeing support, and more. They will also be able to speak to partners such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Cumbria Voluntary Service (CVS), Age UK North Cumbria, and many others as part of a regular schedule of drop-in sessions.
Residents can still access all the services they currently enjoy at Workington Library, such as book browsing and borrowing, access to computers, free Wi-Fi, and Café West.
The council is keen to hear from residents about the services they would like the pilot hub to offer. This feedback will help shape the council’s long-term ambition to roll out hubs across the Cumberland area.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Health Places for Cumberland Council, said: “Our Community Hub in Workington offers a welcoming and accessible space within the heart of the community where residents can access services to meet their needs. By bringing together a range of essential services under one roof, we are not only making it easier for residents to find the help they need but also creating a supportive environment.
“The council is committed to continuously improving and adapting the services offered to ensure they meet the ever-changing needs of our community, and this pilot is supporting our ambition to support residents as early as possible with their needs.
“We’re regularly assessing this pilot in Workington and are looking at how we can further enhance the offer of the Community Hub, as well as taking lessons from the project so far as we consider introducing similar hubs elsewhere in Cumberland.”
Information on the Community Hub sessions, when they take place, and a feedback form can be found at www.cumberland.gov.uk/your-community/community-hubs.
Macmillan Cancer Support from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust have been one of the services involved in the pilot. Tori Crotty, Lead Cancer Information and Support Manager for North Cumbria, said: “Being part of the Community Hub project has been very beneficial for the expansion of our service. We provide information and support to anyone affected by cancer across the region, but currently only have a base at The Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle which can be difficult for patients from Workington to travel to.
“The project has given us the opportunity to reach out into the community to allow people to access support closer to home. The space provided to us at Workington Library is confidential, private, relaxed and accessible to allow our patients a space to meet with our Macmillan team to speak about their diagnosis and see how we can help. This could be by signposting to local agencies, support groups or just an opportunity to speak with our qualified health professionals within the service about their cancer in a non-clinical environment.
“We look forward to continuing our fortnightly service at Workington Library and would welcome more projects across the region to allow us to bring support into local communities across North Cumbria. Anyone affected by cancer who is interested in accessing our service can contact us on 01228 814283 or email cancerinformation@ncic.nhs.uk.”