A system of support: Leatherhead Community Hub
Enabling and supporting healthier neighbourhoods by offering a system of support to our communities is key for Surrey Downs Health and Care Partnership.
Our Pulling Together Programme, which is focused on asset-based community development, seeks to change the relationship between a place, its citizens, and communities by focusing on ‘what’s strong, not what’s wrong’.
The programme brings together system partners to create a healthier Surrey Downs and has enabled the Community Hub project in Leatherhead to be bought to life, making a real difference to lives of local residents.
The Hub, which is run by a dedicated team of volunteers has made a big impact within the community for both residents and volunteers. Leatherhead residents are welcomed at the Hub where they are offered support, advice, opportunities, and great food - all under one roof.
In our video outlining the project, one regular volunteer suggests that:
If you’re lonely and need a place to connect, this is a great place to come.
Watch the video on the Leatherhead Community Hub
Hosting and enabling joined up provision of services within the hub gives residents the chance to connect with the support that they need, for example the food bank. Karen Woodland, the Community Fridge Manager, shared how the Community Fridge initiative used to be nomad-like but now, with a regular base at the Hub, customers know where and when to come.
The availability of a creative space for community use within the hub, allows people to enjoy creativity to help boost their confidence and mental wellbeing, which can have an immeasurable impact on lives.
Hearing directly from those using the Hub how much their lives have changed because of visiting, demonstrates that yes, the hub really is a great place to come to connect.
Thirza Sawtell, Place Leader for Surrey Downs, said:
It’s wonderful to see the positive impact that this project, one of several local initiatives in the Pulling Together Programme, is having on residents, staff, and volunteers.
Focusing on the strengths of the community, we’ve been able to bring people together to make a real difference to the wellbeing of the community – something to be truly proud of.
Find out more about the Leatherhead Community Hub
View the Surrey Downs video series