Case Study: Shirehampton Methodst Church & Hub - Jobs, Wellbeing & A Place to Belong
Case Study: Shirehampton Methodist Church / Shirehampton Wellbeing, Jobs, Training & Enterprise Hub
The Shirehampton Hub: Wellbeing, Jobs, Training & Enterprise is a beacon of hope in one of the UK’s most deprived areas. In a community increasingly affected by the rising cost of living, the Hub has grown from its beginnings in September 2021 as a space focused on employment and training into a vital lifeline, providing a wide range of support services for those in need.
The Hub offers access to a community fridge, a pet food bank, employment and benefits advice, and other practical resources for local residents. It also serves as a refuge for addressing food and fuel poverty, combatting loneliness, and improving mental and emotional wellbeing. Collaborating with organisations such as Clean Slate, Community Learning, BOSH (Bristol Outreach Services for the Homeless), and the Department for Work & Pensions, the Hub ensures a more integrated support network tailored to the diverse needs of the community.
“Often, there are barriers in their way, and our role is to help them overcome those challenges. However, instead of solving problems for them, we focus on empowering them to solve their own problems. We aim to enable and support their journey toward independence,” explains Darren Moore, Shirehampton Hub Coordinator.
The Hub is open throughout the week. Volunteers are always on hand to provide practical, emotional, and spiritual assistance, offering not just help but genuine connection. Families, seniors, and individuals alike find a welcoming environment where they can charge phones, access Wi-Fi, enjoy refreshments, and take part in activities that foster a sense of community.
“We are a small congregation of just 19 members, but we all share a deep passion for helping others. This space has been a wonderful way to live out that mission. I often feel like we are helping people in multiple ways—nourishing their bodies, expanding their minds through learning, and enriching their spirits. This holistic approach allows us to make a real difference in our community,” says Victoria Crane who also works at the Shirehampton Hub.
With operational costs rising, the Hub remains steadfast in its mission to be a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. By addressing immediate needs and fostering long-term resilience, the Hub transforms lives, creating a true community of care.
Darren summed up the heart of the Hub: “There are people who have come here feeling completely alone, believing that there’s nothing left for them in the world. Hopefully, they leave feeling a little better.”
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