Braintree District Council’s Chairman Cllr Andrew Hensman visited Witham Community Hub this week as part of his Chairman role involving meeting individuals, community groups and businesses across the Braintree district.
Witham Community Hub has been a valued asset for the community since it opened in 2018 as a constituted group, before adding to its range of services by later opening a community fridge. The hub then became a registered charity in February 2020 and continues to thrive, helping residents all over the community with a range of services from a community fridge, support groups, to a community café and more.
Earlier this year the hub moved over to a new location at Witham’s Grove Shopping Centre, with the hope to expand and offer more services to the public.
As part of the move, the hub was able to benefit from new shop front improvements, thanks to a Braintree District Council funding scheme aimed at supporting the growth of local businesses and creating an inviting shopping environment for residents and visitors.
Cllr Andrew Hensman, Chairman of Braintree District Council, said: “I was delighted to visit Witham Community Hub and meet the volunteers behind a fantastic asset in the town and who were crucial players in supporting the community when they needed it most during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was particularly interested in the Witham Community Fridge initiative and the huge volume of food that not only helps vulnerable people in the community but reduces food waste and is saved from going to landfill. A huge thank you to the volunteers who continue to offer vital support in the community.”
Tina Townsend, Founder of Witham Community Hub, said: “We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Councillor Andrew Hensman, Chairman of Braintree District Council to The Witham Hub. Councillor Hensman was given a tour of the facilities, learned about our work for the Witham Community Fridge and discussed the difficulties families are facing in these challenging times and how we as a charity are working to support through our various schemes.”
Residents can visit their Facebook page or visit www.withamhub.co.uk for more information about the hub and the services it offers.
Braintree District Council’s Chairman is keen to visit local businesses and/or community groups to hear about the fantastic work happening across the district. Those who are interested in a visit from the Chairman can apply via the Council’s website: www.braintree.gov.uk/invitethechairman
