Charity's Wellbeing Hub launched to 'create connection'
“WELLBEING matters” – that's the message from a charity which provides services to women, children and families which has opened a new hub in Rotherham to boost “opportunity and connection.”
YWCA Yorkshire – which operates the charity's Fleming Gardens site in Flanderwell and Green Gables in Mexborough – delivers bespoke mental health and wellbeing support, tenancy, parenting and relationship programmes, and pathways to skills training, qualifications, and employment.
More than 40 people gathered at Fleming Gardens to celebrate the opening of a new Wellbeing Hub to support local families at an event which brought together local businesses, councillors, corporate sponsors, representatives from community groups across the area, staff and volunteers.
Fleming Gardens Wellbeing Hub is a private and confidential space for women, children and families to access specialist one-to-one or group support.
Having outgrown the office space previously used by project workers to connect with families, the new space has been specifically designed to respond to the needs of local people and improve their experience when accessing vital support.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by Sarah Champion MP and speeches were made by YWCA Yorkshire chief executive Diane Offers, and corporate sponsor, director of Treo recruitment, Neil Jones.
In her speech, Diane Offers said: “Today is about more than just opening a new space.
“It is about creating opportunity and connection for women, children and families across communities.
“It is about recognising that wellbeing matters, that people deserve to feel safe, supported and valued, and that together we can create spaces where people can truly thrive.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has made this possible including the incredible staff, volunteers, partners and corporate supporters of YWCA Yorkshire.
“Your passion and dedication drives our mission forward every day.
“This Hub represents your hard work, creativity and commitment to the people we support.”
The event celebrated donations from community and business supporters who partially funded the Wellbeing Hub's construction, alongside local grants and in-kind support from suppliers.
Representatives from Rotherham Council were among those attending and thanks was given for the Voluntary Action Rotherham Family Hubs Capital Grant which kick-started the project.
Further thanks were given to Next for their donations and to Roy Hatfield for the firm’s contribution and ongoing monthly support to keep the Hub operational.
The event was sponsored by Treo Recruitment and AESSEAL and, thanks to ticket sales from attendees, it raised a further £795 for the families supported by YWCA Yorkshire.