Community hub launched to help vulnerable communities

A community wellbeing hub is being launched in Stafford to support and reach out to vulnerable people.

The Pop-Up Partnership Hub will see our officers work alongside partners including: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Stafford Borough Council, Stafford Street Pastors and the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, to offer advice and support for vulnerable people around safeguarding and incident reporting.

The monthly hub sessions will take place on the first Thursday of each month at Rising Brook Community Church on Burton Square, between 1.30pm and 3pm. The first session will take place on 6 July.

Sergeant Zoe Thompson, part of the Harm Reduction Hub at the Stafford local policing team, said: “The partnership are excited to be able to offer this service to the community. We recognise the importance of being visible and approachable and we want to be able to reach out to as many people as possible, to help resolve the issues that are important to them.

“Safeguarding is one of the partnership’s main priorities and so we urge anyone that needs our assistance to contact us. We will help, advise and support you in the best way we can.

“Stafford Harm Reduction Hub are privileged to have designated officers that specialise in domestic abuse and adult and child concerns. We work closely with domestic abuse support services such as New Era, as well as childrens and adult services, to be able to specifically tailor the service.  

“We are very grateful of the support from Rising Brook Community Church, who have offered the space to be able to deliver this service to the public. 

“Please come and see us, even if you wish you remain anonymous. We are there to help.”

Councillor Jill Hood, Cabinet Member for Community at Stafford Borough Council, said: “Improving the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents is one of the borough council’s top priorities - but we cannot do this in isolation. We need to work closely with our partners so we can be as effective as possible in helping those who need extra support.

“The introduction of this community hub will give people a safe space to come and talk about safeguarding and report issues with those who are able to help and advise them and I hope residents will feel able to take advantage of this new service.”

Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Helen Fisher, said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working, putting important services right in the heart of our communities where they are needed most.

“Together, the agencies at the hub will have the local knowledge and contacts to be able to deal with the issues that matter to people, in a way that is confidential, accessible and convenient for residents.”