This initiative marks a significant step in the council’s efforts to enhance local services and support, ensuring that residents have access to essential resources right on their doorstep
In a heartening display of community spirit, residents of North Paddington gathered to celebrate the official launch of The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House, a new community hub initiated by Westminster City Council. This initiative marks a significant step in the council’s ongoing efforts to enhance local services and support, ensuring that residents have access to essential resources and a sense of community right on their doorstep.
The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House is set to be managed by the North Paddington Foodbank, an organisation deeply rooted in the local community and committed to addressing food insecurity and related social issues. The hub aims to offer a comprehensive range of services, activities, and events, all meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of North Paddington’s diverse population.
Community hubs like The Exchange serve as a central point of contact for residents seeking advice and support on various critical issues. These include housing, finances, employment and benefits, and IT literacy. The concept of a community hub is designed to streamline access to these services, making them more accessible and user-friendly for all members of the community.
Building on the success of two mini-hubs launched at Victoria Library and Charing Cross Library last year, Westminster City Council has continued to expand its network of community support centres. The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House represents the latest addition to this growing network, further cementing the council’s commitment to providing effective, face-to-face support in local neighbourhoods.
The development of The Exchange has been a collaborative effort, involving extensive consultation with over 400 local residents. This inclusive approach has ensured that the hub’s design and services are closely aligned with the community’s needs and aspirations. The hub’s design has been led by Flourish, a local not-for-profit initiative dedicated to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces that foster community engagement and well-being.
At the launch event, Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the new hub. “I’m so excited to officially launch The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House – Westminster City Council’s brand new community hub, which will be run in partnership with North Paddington Foodbank,” she said. “This Community Hub is an important step in our journey to improving how the council ensures that residents have access to effective face-to-face support in their neighbourhoods, as part of our commitment to tackling health and social inequalities in our city.”
Sanquest highlighted the hub’s diverse offerings, which include lunch clubs and coffee mornings, skills classes, benefits advice, employment support, and community health classes. “The Exchange is all about offering easy-to-reach support, building connections, and making sure everyone can get the services they need, right on their doorstep,” she added.
The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House is more than just a physical space; it is a symbol of community resilience and collaboration. It represents a collective effort to address social challenges and improve the quality of life for residents in North Paddington. By providing a centralised location for essential services and fostering a sense of community, The Exchange aims to create a more connected and supported local environment.
As the hub begins its operations, it is expected to play a vital role in bridging gaps in service provision and promoting social cohesion. The partnership with North Paddington Foodbank and the involvement of local residents and initiatives like Flourish ensure that The Exchange will be a dynamic and responsive centre, capable of adapting to the evolving needs of the community.
The launch of The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of local government support in creating meaningful change. As residents of North Paddington embrace this new addition to their neighbourhood, the hope is that it will serve as a model for future community hubs, demonstrating the potential for collaborative efforts to address social inequalities and foster a sense of belonging and support.
The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House offers hope and progress for North Paddington. It is a place where residents can find the support they need, connect with their community, and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant local environment. The Exchange is not just a hub; it is a hub of hope, a hub of opportunity, and a hub of community spirit.
