Swindon Borough Council has expanded its Community Hub programme with the opening of a new hub at Central Library, bringing a wider range of advice and support services together under one roof.
The latest hub is designed to make it easier for residents to access council and partner services without needing an appointment or having to navigate multiple organisations. It builds on the success of the Community Hub at Park Library, which has already helped more than 150 residents since opening earlier this year.
Based at Central Library in Regent Circus, the new hub offers employment and skills advice, Adult Community Learning and support for young people seeking work, apprenticeships or further training. These services sit alongside the library’s existing facilities, including public computers, Blue Badge and bus pass enquiries, and information on health, wellbeing and local support services.
A dedicated Youth Hub has also been introduced, providing careers guidance and training advice for young people aged between 16 and 24.
The council says the long-term aim is to bring even more services and partner organisations into the library, creating a single, accessible location where residents can receive joined-up support tailored to their needs.
Councillor Matt Hinton, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Customer Services, said: “We’re changing the way the Council delivers services. Our ambition is to bring more support into the heart of our communities, making it easier for residents to access the help they need in places they know and trust.
“The Community Hub at Central Library is an important part of that approach, bringing together a range of Council services and partner organisations in one accessible location. It means residents can find the right support more easily, without having to navigate different services or buildings.”
He added that the council had already seen positive results from the first Community Hub and hoped the Central Library site would enable even more people to benefit from the new approach.
Councillor Vinay Manro, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “Community Hubs are changing the way we deliver council services. Everyone needs support at some point, and our aim is to make it easier to access, closer to where people live and available when it is needed most.
“By bringing services such as Live Well, adult social care, housing support and other council teams together with our partners, we can provide joined-up support earlier, help prevent issues from escalating and support more people to stay independent for longer.”
As the programme develops, the council says feedback from residents, community groups and partner organisations will help shape future Community Hubs across the borough.
Visitors to Central Library can also make use of the recently opened Solid Ground Coffee café, which offers refreshments while helping young people develop valuable customer service and employability skills.
The Community Hub is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm. Most services are available on a drop-in basis, while some partner organisations operate scheduled sessions throughout the week.
