The Hub throws open council doors

Pilot scheme enhances accessibility

A pilot scheme in Cardiff is bringing many council services under one roof. The Hub scheme is part of a Cardiff Council initiative to provide easy access to help and information regarding a range of services.

The locations for The Hub, such as St Mellons library, have been selected in response to uneven distribution of council facilities throughout Cardiff. As well as weekly opportunities to seek careers and debt advice from outside agencies, the St Mellons Hub offers advice on housing, council tax and benefits from trained staff, all on the community’s doorstep.

By giving the community the chance to access advice and council services all in a library setting, customer service manager, Gareth Pierce described The Hub as, “Bringing services together and improving literacy”.

The Hub facilities are located in pre-existing council buildings, such as libraries, as part of an initiative to improve the numbers of people using these facilities. According to Gareth Pierce, the facilities at St Mellons have proved popular as a result of the range of services the public can access, and encouraged more people to take up the opportunity to use library facilities.

There are also weekly opportunities to speak to staff from agencies including Age concern, Careers Wales and Speak Easy, which focuses on giving free debt and benefit advice. More information is available on the website.

The Hub also hosts a range of activities to get involved in. A computer beginners class runs on a Wednesday, as well as reading and storytime for children. For further information on The Hub, including opening times, visit:

http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.aspparent_directory_id=2865&id=1654&pagetype=&keyword

Cardiff Council, The Hub