Witham Hub

The Hub scoops first prize in the Witham Carnival float competition The Witham Hub has scooped first prize for its float in the Witham Carnival on Saturday 13th July. The judges also gave the Hub’s entry an award for the most original float. ‘Countries of the World’ was the Carnival’s theme and the Hub’s innovative design was based around plates of food containing distinctive dishes from different countries around the globe. Tina Townsend, Chair of The Witham Hub’s Board of Trustees, said: “The decorations for the float were all made from recycled materials and created by our youth division, which only started in April this year. The youth division of the Hub are all aged between 10 and 16. Many of our Youth team are neurodiverse, so this has been an amazing achievement for them and I am delighted that their talents have been recognised by the judges. They have done a wonderful job and I couldn’t be more proud of them.” Six major floats took part in the carnival parade, which passed along Newland Street on Saturday 13th July. Three members of the youth team took part alongside staff from The Witham Hub Photo captions: 1. The Witham Hub’s Carnival Float team proudly holding their first prize certificate. From left: Danny Clark, Tyler Clark, Karen Bailey, Ashley Clark, Tina Townsend, Sara Doutch, Christine Loughnane, Madison Loughnane and Bethany Williams. 2. The Witham Hub’s float lorry proudly displaying its support for their youth division. 3. The Witham Hub’s ‘Countries of the World Float’, which won first prize at the Witham Carnival.

Join The Witham Hub’s World War II History Project The Witham Hub is on a mission to preserve and honour the memories of those who lived through a pivotal period in world history. It is seeking Witham locals with family members who have stories, experiences or photos from World War II that they’d like to share. Whether it's a personal account, a family anecdote, or a precious photograph, The Hub would be honoured to hear from anyone with memories and memorabilia that would help to bring alive that tumultuous period of our country’s history. Tina Townsend, Chair of The Witham Hub’s Board of Trustees, said: “Please do join us at The Hub in commemorating the bravery, sacrifices and resilience of the many brave men and women who lived through World War II, by sharing your stories and visuals. Let's ensure that these important narratives are not forgotten and can continue to inspire generations to come. “Please email us at info@withamhub.co.uk or, better still, pop into The Hub so that we can record your memories as an important contribution to this collective remembrance. Your stories matter, and we are eager to listen and learn from them. “Let's keep history alive, together!” Photo: Keeping history alive - Hub Manager Jane Allen on the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings

The Witham Hub has been successful in completing all three stages of the Government’s Disability Confident Scheme, which encourages employers to be disability committed in their recruitment and employment policies. They have passed all three stages in less than a year. The Scheme, overseen by the Department of Work and Pensions has three stages; Stage 1, ‘Disability Confident Committed’, was completed in June 2023 and obligated The Hub to ensuring that its recruitment was inclusive and open to disabled people. Stage 2, completed in March 2024, required The Hub to test itself against a set of standards regarding employing disabled people and all the core actions required to be a ‘Disability Confident Employer.’ Stage 3, ‘Disability Confident Leader’ was the toughest and required the charity to demonstrate leadership by taking on an external challenge and to play an active role in encouraging and helping other employers with becoming Disability Confident. They were supported in this process by employment consultants, GetSetUK. Tina Townsend, Chair of The Witham Hub’s Board of Trustees said: “To say that I am chuffed is an absolute understatement. This is brilliant news and I am all the more proud of the fact that we have achieved the scheme’s top level in less than twelve months. This is an eloquent testament to the team at The Hub and the hard work we have all done over the last year to ensure that we take disability issues seriously and to make our establishment even more welcome and accessible to people with disabilities. “Not only do we employ people with disabilities at The Witham Hub but we hold events and activities that are specifically aimed at helping people with mental and physical disabilities. We are proud to do so.” Amy McManus of GetSetUK said: “Amazing work from all the team at The Witham Hub and massive congratulations to them for achieving Disability Confident Leader status. It is so well deserved by an incredible team who do their utmost to deliver services and offer employment opportunities to everyone in the community. I cannot wait to continue working with this amazing team and supporting them throughout their journey.”

If you would like to take part, please drop in and let us know, or call us on 01376-617998.

After some feedback received, we will now be running the Menopause Support Group every four weeks, starting from this Saturday (20.04.24).

This week (Saturday 20th April) the youth group will be working on an exciting craft project! Join in on Saturday from 12.00 noon.

Just watched a program about internet trolls and it was eye-opening. It's shocking how many of them feel brave behind the keyboard but don't have the courage to stand up for themselves in person. The program also highlighted that many trolls have experienced bullying themselves. We need to break this cycle of negative behavior because it can literally push people to dark places. If you don't like someone, be the bigger person and walk away. It takes more courage to walk away than to push someone to the brink of suicide. Do you really want that on your conscience? Let's make the internet a safer and kinder place for everyone. #StopCyberBullying #SpreadLove #BeTheChange

The Hub has a new weekly community support group starting on Monday 22nd April at 2.30pm, for the amazing people in our community who support and care for someone else. These wonderful people sometimes need time for themselves and we are here for you.

The Witham Hub teams up with Witham Community First Responders The Witham Hub has teamed up with Witham Community First Responders. The two organisations have reached an agreement under which The Hub will provide the First Responders with a base to hold meetings and to carry out any training needed, using the charity’s first floor conferencing facilities. The new arrangement is already underway having formally started on 28th March 2024. In return for occasional use of The Hub’s conferencing facilities, Witham Community First Responders have taken over the maintenance of the four, soon to be six defibrillators currently managed by The Witham Hub. Witham Community First Responders are a volunteer organisation that provides immediate assistance in emergency situations, when literally seconds count. They handle category one and two calls, such as cardiac arrests, allergic reactions, breathing problems and will come to the aid of anyone who requires immediate attention, providing basic life support before an ambulance and its crew can get there. Tina Townsend, Chair of the Witham Hub Trustees, said: “This is an ideal arrangement, Witham Community First Responders needed a base and we needed someone to look after the defibrillators to save staff or volunteers being sent out to check them, which has to be done on a regular basis. We are very pleased to be working with Witham Community First Responders, who do vital work and genuinely save lives.” Steven Hardy, Acting Co-Ordinator for Witham First Responders Group said: “Finding the Witham Hub and collaborating with them will really help with the growth of the group. Currently we are a team of six responders and we’ve never had a place to train the volunteers. Being able to train them is crucial to ensure that we continue to provide life-saving care. Working closely with The Witham Hub, we can assist with keeping Witham healthier through looking after the defibrillators. We look forward to working with The Hub on a long-term basis as they support the local community, just as we do. We are very grateful for their generosity.” The Witham Hub has extensive, modern meeting rooms equipped with air-conditioning, presentation facilities, free wi-fi and complimentary tea and coffee, which are available for hire at very competitive rates. For further information and to make a booking, go to The Hub’s website at www.withamhub.co.uk Photo captions:  1. The Witham Community First Responders outside their new home. From left: Mark Goddard, Zuzana Krskova, Steven Hardy, Tina Townsend (Chair of The Witham Hub Trustees), Zoe Longstaff and Will McGough. 2. The Witham Community First Responders at the first meeting held in their new home at The Witham Hub.

Starts on Thursday 18th April 2024 and will be held fortnightly.