Orbit has officially opened a new community hub in Norwich to offer face to face support to residents.
The hub is the first of three new hubs which the not-for-profit housing provider will be opening over the coming months.
Located in the new Orbit Homes’ development at St Anne’s Quarter, the hub provides access to free support on a range of issues such as managing finances, health and wellbeing, employability and skills as part of Orbit’s Better Days programme.
Created within the former Orbit Homes’ sales office on the site, the venue will also provide a space for community events and for other local providers to offer a range of support including Places for People – another local housing provider who have supported with funding the opening of the hub.
Orbit contractor MPS helped to refurbish the venue as part of their social value programme and social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself carried out the redecoration.
Orbit’s investment in community hubs supports Orbit’s recently launched Everyday Excellence plan designed to enhance Orbit’s customer experience and help realise its 2030 ambition to deliver amongst the best customer service of any housing association in the country.
Lucy McGovern, Head of Thriving Communities for Orbit said: “Having a local presence and being able to offer people the face to face support they need to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives is really important to us. By working with partner organisations, we’ve transformed this former sales office into a place which offers a safe place for people to seek help, build friendships and support networks and socialise with their neighbours. In a first for Orbit, we’re excited to welcome Places for People to the hub where we can work collaboratively to help offer customers from both providers a seamless service and access to the support that customers need.”
The hub was officially opened by The Lord Mayor Councillor Vivien Thomas and her Consort who unveiled a plaque at a celebration event for the community.
The Lord Mayor Councillor Vivien Thomas, commented: “I was delighted to be invited to open what will be a valuable community resource in Norwich offering vital face to face support for local residents and a space to bring the community together.’’