The Kings Arms Community Hub has celebrated its first birthday today (Monday), bringing together residents, volunteers, community organisations, partners and local services to mark a year of growing community activity in the heart of Wellington.
A message echoed throughout the celebrations by Wellington Town Council’s Chief Executive Dave Farrow, Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow and local MP Gideon Amos was one of thanks – to every part of the community which has helped turn the King’s Arms from a building into a thriving community hub.
Just one year after opening, the hub’s current Autumn Programme includes activities, groups and support delivered by 25 different organisations, demonstrating how quickly the King’s Arms has developed as a shared community space.
Twelve organisations were represented at the first birthday celebration, alongside volunteers, service users and members of the community.
The programme ranges from health and mental health support, employment advice and family services to activities for babies and toddlers, youth provision, exercise, community groups and opportunities for people simply to meet and connect with others.
The King’s Arms is also helping to strengthen Wellington’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector by providing an accessible base from which organisations can deliver and work alongside each other.
At the same time, statutory and public services are able to bring support directly into the community and reach residents in a familiar local setting.
Dave Farrow said: “What has been achieved at the King’s Arms in its first year is down to the people who have embraced it.
“Our volunteers, community organisations, statutory partners and, most importantly, the residents who use the Hub have all played a part in making it what it is today.
“The King’s Arms is showing what can happen when we create a space where community organisations and public services can work alongside one another, making it easier for people to connect with support, activities and each other.
“On behalf of the town council, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed during this first year.”
The council would particularly like to thank the volunteers who give their time and skills to make people feel welcome, as well as every resident who has walked through the doors.
Without the volunteers, partners and service users, the King’s Arms simply wouldn’t exist as a community hub.
NOT VISITED THE KINGS ARMS YET?
You don’t need to be accessing a service or attending a particular group to come through the doors.
A great first introduction is the Chatty Café, where volunteers will make you welcome.
Pop in for a cuppa, meet other people and find out more about what is happening at the Hub.
Wednesdays, 2pm–4pm; Fridays, 11am–1pm
Come in and say hello – the Kings Arms belongs to the community and everyone is welcome.
MAIN PHOTO: From left, Gideon Amos MP, Dave Farrow, Laura Batcha (Community Development Officer) and Cllr Mark Lithgow.
BELOW: Photos from today’s birthday celebration.
