Queens Park community cafe
During the winter months Queens Park Hub was one of a number of bpha community-led hubs which offered a warm space for people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities to come together and feel included and valued. It provided key support for bpha customers and the local community with an open door for anyone who needed advice and or support.
In February this year, Community Engagement Officer, Fsella, discussed applying for a warm space grant with the Chair of Queens Park community centre Richard Ward. Fsella supported the community centre’s application, which successfully received a £1000 grant to help open a community café to provide warm meals for residents.
The community cafe welcomed nearly 200 customers from the local community in March. It was ran by 7 volunteers who cooked meals and served their community. The weekly events brought previously isolated members of the community together in a welcoming environment.
Chair of Queens Park Community Centre, Richard Ward said: “When Fsella approached me with the idea of a warm hub I thought it was very ambitious. But Fsella’s vision, dedication and hard work have led to this great addition to Queens Park Community Centre. The warm hub brought people together during a time when the cost of living made it difficult for many. I have lived in Queens Park for 20 years and have become increasingly involved, working alongside bpha and am looking forward to working together again in the future.”
Queens Park resident, Safina who served some of the meals in the community cafe says: “I am so glad this community hub is here. I was able to take part in the community kitchen, which was needed in our community. So many neighbours have come along to enjoy the activities, for support, and friendship. It’s a place where we can talk and meet new people.”
Local businesses have provided services to the hub, such as Health Watch, who informed residents on how to access healthcare services. Citizens Advice provided money advice and Talk Adult provided access to adult education courses. Impakt a local domestic abuse organisation also attended, during their visit they were able to identify 5 victims of domestic abuse who received support and advice.
Our community hubs are a great way to build value partnerships that support communities to come together.
If you are an organisation who would like to share local community information via our community hubs, or would like more information on how you can work with us, please email us at Community.engagement@bpha.org.uk.
