Supporting Croydon residents at Brigstock Road’s new Community Hub

Are you a Croydon resident with questions about social care or your general health and wellbeing? If the answer is yes, why not come down to Brigstock Road’s new Community Hub.

John recently swapped palm trees for London when he returned to the UK after 10 years of living in Jamaica. He’s now in his 70s and doesn’t feel confident driving, but he’s committed to keeping his independence and an active social life, particularly over the winter. John was unsure about how to apply for a free bus pass, but after hearing about the hub from a friend, he thought someone there could help. 

After a hot cup of coffee and a chat, Community Facilitator Beena was able to help John print documents and complete his bus pass application. He’ll now be able to use the bus for free to attend his weekly domino club, see his friends and do his shopping. Beena said: “We’re pleased to be here to give local people the practical help and support they need to help them live life fully and independently.”

With many people feeling worried about the cost of living it can leave people unsure about how local services can help them with their circumstances. Brigstock Road’s Community Hub is available to bridge these gaps and support local people to have healthier and happier lives. Recently the hub was visited by Croydon Healthy Homes who advised attendees about managing their energy bills and making them aware of grant funding that they may be eligible for.  

Created from a partnership between One Croydon Alliance’s Integrated Community Network Plus, Age UK Croydon and the Asian Resource Centre Croydon, the hub is a one-stop-shop for different needs and has created a place where residents come to not only find information but build community with others.

With weekly walk-in sessions (Mondays 10am-1pm) the hub hosts voluntary, health and social care services to address practical day-to day needs such as housing, pensions, mental health, carers support, welfare benefits, health and wellbeing. There’s no need for appointments, residents can simply come along for a chat to see how services can help- or just for some company. In this video, local services share how they’re helping people to stay well.

Roobina is retired and started to struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness after several bereavements in her family. As a beautician she was always busy and loved meeting new people, so she thought the hub would be a good place to connect with others. Through attending the hub Roobina joined the Expert Patient Programme, a free course to boost her health and wellbeing and she also put herself forward to volunteer at the hub where she now serves tea and coffee each week.

Roobina said: “I felt as though I’d lost my way and I wasn’t in a good place mentally. I needed something to commit to and the team at the hub encouraged me to get myself out there by joining activities. I look forward to volunteering there every week.  It’s given me the structure I need and I love feeling a part of something and helping others. I don’t think people realise, they’re actually helping me too.”

Brigstock Road is one of three locality community hubs set up to provide more local and accessible pathways to access social support networks, community-led activities and specialist voluntary and statutory services. As more residents face increasing economic and social challenges, the hub is a perfect space to receive support early before things get on top of them. Over time, Community Hubs will be set up in each of Croydon’s six localities so that communities have designated hubs to serve their local needs.

We work with community leaders and local people to voice their needs and co-ordinate the right support to visit the hub to offer mental health, wellbeing, learning opportunities, housing, employment services and refugee settlement information. We want people to know that they’re not alone and that we’re here to help with their personal situation, whatever it may be.”

Nasreen Syeda, Community Facilitator