The idea of creating a different type of hub came from founder Michelle Eden, who was a trustee and co-founder of well-known local charity Here for Cats and has over 15-years experience in the charity sector.  She found that running an animal charity was more about people than pets, and sometimes like a form of social services. She constantly came across people with mental health issues, and those suffering from loneliness, isolation and even grief.

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She recognised that there is a real need to create strong connections to support the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of people in an outdoor setting. 

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This is where the idea for a community hub, which was owned by the community for the community, within a green space, was formed. 

 

Laleham Park was highlighted as a potential site and Laleham Park Hub volunteers have been engaging with the local community, park users and stakeholders for the last two-years, as part of their research for this project. 

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In times of need, as the pandemic has shown, it’s the local community that supports each other. The hub will serve as a place to generate a greater awareness of the support available in the local community by working with other local charities and organisations.