A NEW mobile community hub has gone into use for residents and groups in the area served by Emersons Green Town Council.
The multi-purpose vehicle, also known as the Community Hub On Wheels, or CHOW, has been commissioned to provide a space for activities, learning or meeting up.
It has a particular focus on youth work, going to areas where there are no youth clubs or other venues to offer access to drop-in sessions.
It is also available for families and older residents, to provide well-being and community services, workshops, community consultations and pop-up events in parks and neighbourhood spaces.
The town council says it will improve access to services for any residents who face barriers to travelling to static facilities.
The Voice first reported on the £155,000 project, which is being funded from contributions made to South Gloucestershire Council by developers as part of planning deals, last year.
It has games consoles, WiFi, kitchen facilities, music, charging stations for devices, sports equipment, art facilities, heating and air conditioning.
Town council youth liaison officer Shea Stew is spearheading the project, having run similar mobile provision in Bristol for five years.
Shea said: “The CHOW will allow us to reach more people in more places and in more flexible ways.
“It marks an exciting new chapter for our Youth and Community Teams and will help us deliver vital services where they are needed most.”
One of the CHOW’s first trips after going into service in February was to Mangotsfield School, where students found out what it has to offer.
Head teacher Hetty Blackmore said: “Shea has been a big supporter of the school’s ambition to work more directly with the local community to support its young people.
“He brought the community club in on a wet lunchtime and parked on the playground, and used the opportunity to make some new acquaintances amongst the school community and promote the work he was doing.
“Lots of students took the opportunity to have a look at the bus, enjoy the sound system and have a better understanding of what is now happening in the evenings in the local area.
“It is a fantastic idea and a well equipped unit that will allow young people to gain new experiences through the Youth Service’s work, and make some new friends.”
The hub has also been at Lyde Green Community Centre to support youth work with Sovereign Network Group, and is due to visit Emersons Green Village Hall, Rodway Hill, and Emersons Green Skate Park soon.
More information is available on the town council website.