Hub2U Outreach in Annie Pit, Workington

Over April and May, the Hub2U team had the privilege of spending time in Annie Pit Workington, bringing support and resources directly to families in their own community.

These sessions were all about creating a welcoming space where families and young people could feel heard, supported and connected.

Working together for families

We weren’t alone in this effort. Our outreach was a true team approach. We were joined by amazing partners who share our passion for helping families thrive.

Cumbria Libraries

Helen from Workington Library shared information about what was on offer.

She shared ideas on how to use the digital library by using your membership to borrow and download free e-books and e-audiobooks.

She also shared how to discover your family history at your local library by building a family tree with the world’s largest genealogy websites, search birth records, census data, obituaries and more.

She also suggested using your local library as part of your health and wellbeing journey. Play jigsaws, board games and do some mindful colouring. What about using the library to meet up with friends new and old by joining one of the sessions that are available? Helen suggested Chess and Scrabble clubs, Story Tots, Rhyme time and Digital confidence.

You could also get access to hearing aid batteries, loanable story sacks, loanable dementia bags, computer access and printing.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Tara joined us to share her knowledge and give advice. This was particularly around housing, family, benefits and work advice. Her advice and information was invaluable as always.

PCSO’s Andrea and Callum

We also had the pleasure of regular visits from the local PCSO’s Andrea and Callum. They chatted to the children and young people about keeping safe in the community, especially around the use of e-bikes and scooters.

Andrea had a Q&A session with a group of children and answered questions such as:

• when do the police use a taser?
• why did she want to become a Police Officer
• why do they not use Rottweilers as police dogs?
• what do the police do to keep us safe?

All the young people were really engaged and enjoyed chatting to Andrea, one young person even created a thank you picture on the black board to express their thanks for the chat and information.

Jackie from Cumberland Council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme

Jackie came along to inform the families about the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

If your child has free school meals, you can find and book free children's activities and events in the school holidays.

To find out what is on offer in your area, visit Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme.

Hub2U Team

Of course, our own Sarah, Iain and Andrea from the Hub2U team brought all this together under two gazebos and mostly sunny weather.

They listened to what the young people wanted and endeavoured to deliver this. They brought healthy snacks chosen by the young people, melon and kiwi were a favourite! Other curve ball requests came in the form of lettuce and cucumber!

All the young people were enthusiastic and made our time in Annie Pit a pleasure. We look forward to meeting them again.

What families and young people told us

The feedback we received was inspiring and reminded us why these sessions matter.