More communities ‘get connected’ as eighth local hub is launched

Cheshire East has celebrated its eighth local community hub.

Belong Village, in Crewe, became the latest Connected Communities centre to open its doors to its neighbours offering support services and a convivial place to meet.

The centre – a retirement village on Brookhouse Drive, Crewe – joins the growing list of connected community venues in Cheshire East, where people can access vital information across a range of local services and enjoy a place to meet up.

Cheshire East Council has invested £150,000 to help community venues develop their services, as well as provide on-going support and training. The council is recognising 30 local places, including church halls, community centres and community cafes, each supported by a neighbourhood partnership representing a range of agencies, including the police, health services and the voluntary sector.

From coffee mornings, computer classes and line dancing, to learning a language, sharing a problem and support for stroke sufferers – there’s something for everyone.  Every centre will also have a computer tablet connected to our Live Well community information website, helping residents to easily find out what facilities and support are  available in the area.

Many local people living near the care village attended an open day last Saturday, enjoying the best spring weather so far.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and integration, said: “I am extremely pleased to see Belong Village become the latest of our Connected Communities centres.

“This venue is ideally placed to be a great community resource for residents in this area and will help combat social isolation. I would encourage anyone living in the vicinity to pop in and discover more about the clubs, services and facilities on offer, including a bistro where they can have a coffee and sit in the garden.

“The team here are friendly and welcoming and provide a great service to the local area. I would like to thank all our partners for making this open day a wonderful event and I want to thank all the centres for the marvellous work that they do.”

To find out more about Connected Communities in Cheshire East visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/communities or email communities@cheshireeast.gov.uk

People can also phone the council’s communities team on 01270 85880.

Eight of the 30 centres are now open.  They are:

· Audlem Community Hall, 12 Cheshire Street, Audlem CW3 0AH (Tel: 01270 811011);

· The Bridgend Centre, 104 Palmerstone Street, Bollington SK10 5PW (Tel: 01625 576311);

· St Johns Church, Wilwick Lane, Macclesfield SK11 8RS (Tel: 01625 612511);

· The Welcome Café, 146-147 Longridge, Knutsford WA16 8PD (Tel: 01565 750905);

· St Barnabas (Barnies), West Street, Crewe CW1 3HX (Tel: 07949 240371);

· Beechmere Extracare Village, Rolls Avenue, Crewe CW1 3FT (01270 747457);

· Poynton Civic Hall, Park Lane, Poynton SK12 1RB (Tel: 01625 872238);

· Belong Crewe, Brookhouse Drive, Crewe CW2 6NA (Re: 01270 561200).

Two more Connected Communities centre will be opening their doors in May.  They are Church of the Resurrection in Macclesfield and the United Reform Church in Wilmslow.