A new community hub for Bridgnorth

Published by Maike Riedel for Circle in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Mercian Housing Association’s Bridgnorth Parish Rooms recently unveiled their brand new community hub, giving local people access to free IT services and training opportunities.

A team of volunteers from contractor Apollo, part of the Keepmoat group of companies, worked from dawn until dusk for four days to transform an unused area of the building into a bright community hub. The new community hub, including an IT suite, gives local people who don’t have access to computers, the chance to learn IT skills and make the most of being online. The hub will also provide opportunities to break down barriers towards employment and training by running a number of free courses as well as help with CV writing. The centre can also be used by voluntary and statutory groups in Bridgnorth.

Jude Patton, Apollo project manager, commented: “As a company we are committed to investing in the communities where we work, so we were delighted to have been given the opportunity to contribute to improving facilities at the Parish Rooms. The new hub is a much needed resource which will help residents and the wider community in their search for work. Given the current economic climate, this is the kind of initiative that the Company is glad to support.”

Bob Candlin, Mercian’s community investment manager, raised £2,500 from a local charitable trust to purchase computer equipment for the IT suite. He added: “We are all passionate about enhancing life chances and are committed to delivering excellent services for our residents and the wider community. The community hub is a great addition for the community, providing a venue for local people to take part in a number of educational activities. I would like to thank all our partners and sponsors who made it possible.”

The Parish Rooms is a supported housing scheme in Bridgnorth for single, homeless people, which is owned and managed by local not-for-profit housing provider Mercian Housing Association, part of Circle Housing Group. There are 12 units within the scheme which are a starting point to get homeless people age 18+ back on their feet.

Local people interested in the community hub can contact Phillip Tinsley on phone 01746 762015.