Labour-led Westminster City Council is celebrating the first anniversary of its first Community Hubs at Victoria Library and Charing Cross Library. Over the past 12 months, these vibrant spaces have become essential places for face-to-face access to Council services and activities and support provided by community and voluntary sector organisations.
The Hubs were co-designed with residents and offer a wide range of activities to support health and wellbeing.
These two hubs are part of a network of hubs opening across Westminster. A community hub – The Exchange – recently opened on Elgin Avenue W9, with others planned for Rampayne Street in Pimlico, Lilestone Street in Church Street and the Brunel Estate in Westbourne.
Highlights from hubs at Victoria and Charring Cross from the past year include:
- 12,000 visits to the two hubs
- 1,000 activities delivered, including specialist sessions for people with learning disabilities, run by Caxton Youth and the LDN Hub
- Over 400 hours of volunteer time dedicated to hub activities
- Drop-in support provided by Council services, including benefits and employment advice
- 80% of residents reported making a meaningful connection with others through the hubs
- 81% reported improved health and wellbeing through their involvement
- 86% reported learning new skills or being supported into employment or training
- 85% of partner organisations made a new connection or partnership through their involvement
- New accessible toilet has been installed at Victoria Library, enhancing accessibility.
- Library attendance increased by 14% at Victoria Library and 20% at Charing Cross Library
Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: Westminster Labour pledged to bring face-to-face support from the Council, and space for people to come together in our communities. We’ve made good on that promise, and have opened 3 hubs across the City with 3 more to come – these hubs are providing a place where residents can drop in and get the help they need.”
To find out more and view the current programme of activities, visit https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/community-hubs
