Few could have imagined, including Bangor Councillor, Elin Walker Jones, that a community workshop just 20 months ago would lead to a dream come true: establishing a city centre community hub in Bangor to support the community with a wide range of essential services.
“Bangor City Council has been fantastic,” said the Councillor, who represents Bangor’s Glyder Ward residents on Cyngor Gwynedd Council. “With their support, we’ve seen this dream became a reality - offering a helping hand to the people of this city right on their doorstep.”
Since opening in April, the Hwb Dinas has welcomed over 1,300 visitors. The community hub offers drop-in support for mental health issues, homelessness, employment, benefits, food banks, energy advice and general support services for those in need.
“By working with other agencies, Hwb Dinas Bangor can offer tailored support and events working with organisations like GISDA, the Samaritans, North Wales Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, the Health Board, Cyngor Gwynedd, the veterans’ club, Enfys Alice, Bangor African and Caribbean Society and North Wales Police - to name just a few of our partners.”
Following the third sector workshop held in January 2024, a large crowd gathered eager to learn more about the plans, and the hub officially opened its doors in April this year at the former Hafan Café near Bangor’s bus station.
“Seeing the Hwb buzzing with activity is fulfilling a personal dream of mine,” said the Plaid Cymru Councillor.
“Workshop attendees said they wanted a central hub for the people of Bangor, and already it has supported so many since opening. It is incredibly heartening to see.
“We must thank Lisa Goodier and the staff of Bangor City Council for their dedication and continued hard work - without them, this vision would not have seen light of day.”
“It’s a central and accessible location for everyone,” explains Lisa Goodier, Head of Partnerships and Transformation at Bangor City Council, who co-ordinates the project.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support shown to us as staff since the opening. Being able to listen, advise and chat with people who need help brings us a great sense of pride.
“The Hwb is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm—so drop in! No appointments are needed. Here you’ll find someone that listens, guidance on where to get more help, support, and a cup of tea. The door is open!”
Thanks goes to Bangor City Council for funding the project and to the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Delyth Russell for officially opening the Hwb. Delyth also works as the Community Connector at the Hub and is proud of the work happening there.
Community Hubs were established by Cyngor Gwynedd in 13 areas across the county to support people during COVID-19 – the “go to” place for help.
Councillor Elin Walker Jones said: “The challenge in Bangor was that it’s a city of diverse communities, and it became clear that more than one community hub was needed, as the original hub in Maesgeirchen couldn’t meet the needs of all city residents.”
Hwb Dinas Bangor and Hwb Maesgeirchen work well together, and with other small community hubs across the city, crucial collaboration is taking place. The work happening at these hubs contributes greatly to the wellbeing of the city residents and to the wider preventative agenda that we is in place by Cyngor Gwynedd.
For more information, call 01248 352421 or email [email protected]