The Council Leader’s column with Anne Handley: Our new Community Hub pilot

The hub operates every Monday afternoon, until Monday, September 14, 1-3pm, at Bridlington Town Council Office (excluding Monday, August 31).

The pilot will feature a range of our services to residents, including: housing, community safety, health and wellbeing, employment and skills, money advice, addiction support, community activities and signposting.

No appointment is needed and residents are encouraged to attend and find out what support is available.

The hub has been developed as part of the ongoing Clear, Hold, Build (CHB) programme in Bridlington. The programme utilises a partnership approach to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, support communities, and create lasting improvements for residents.

The Community Hub supports the next stage of that work, bringing local services together in one accessible location, to help residents access support and strengthen community connections.

This pilot aims to make it easier for residents to access services, face-to-face, and ensure that our services are visible and responsive to local needs.

I'm delighted to see commuted sums funding being used to improve four sports and recreation facilities across Bridlington. From enhancements to the Gasworx Skatepark and multi-use games area to investment in local bowling clubs, these projects will help improve valued community facilities and provide more opportunities for residents to stay active.

The council is currently preparing a new local plan for the East Riding, which sets out the long-term plan for development.

We are required to prepare a new plan, due to a new local plan system announced by the government. There is currently a public scoping consultation underway until Monday, August 31 and we encourage residents to share their views.

Best Start Family Hubs are replacing Children’s Centres across the East Riding with new signage being installed across the summer. The two Bridlington sites, in Shaftesbury Road and Butts Close, were the first to convert to Family Hubs. The hubs offer activities and support from pregnancy, through the early years, childhood and into teenage years and beyond. Families are also welcome to come along to use the playrooms, sensory rooms, outdoor play areas and get involved in the many activities and summer events taking place. 

If you’d like advice or support with stages of a child’s life from sleeping and feeding to toddler tantrums, or just to feel more confident – Family Hubs are there to support you. 

We’re also proud to support voluntary groups through the Do It for East Yorkshire Community Fund. Grants of between £1,500 and £5,000 are available for community-led projects, with applications open until Wednesday, September 30.

Funding can support a wide range of initiatives, from community events and cultural activities to projects that improve wellbeing, accessibility, community safety and local green spaces. We encourage eligible organisations to find out more and apply.

And finally, the third stage of the Tour of Britain will come to the East Riding on Friday, September 4. I hope you can all get the chance to get out onto the route and see it and enjoy hosting this national event in our area.