Derby County Community Trust have announced the return of several community sessions at Harrison’s Hub as they return to their winter timetable from the end of this month.
Since the opening of Harrison’s Hub at Pride Park Stadium last November, the Community Trust have transformed the space into a community venue which hosts many of their sessions each week.
Initially set up to support local residents through the rising cost of living, targeted sessions including the weekly drop-in ‘Communi-tea’ and Community Meals supported over 1,000 people throughout November to May, funded through Derby City Council’s ‘Warm Spaces’ initiative and through names purchased by fans on Pride Park’s ‘1884 Wall’.
Harrison’s Hub has continued to host regular community sessions throughout the summer months and has now secured funding to once again offer meals and support throughout the autumn and winter.
In partnership with Delaware North, catering providers at Derby County Football Club, ‘Communi-tea’ sessions - where attendees can have hot drinks and soup on a ‘pay what you can basis’ - will now take place from 12pm-3pm on Wednesday afternoons from 27th September.
The Food Donation Hub, where all donated items are distributed via the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, will also shift its opening hours to 12pm-3pm each Wednesday. A selection of donations will also remain in place at Harrison’s Hub, acting as a ‘Community Shop’ where items can be taken/swapped/replaced by anyone who visits.
Community Meals, of which over 1,000 were distributed to various community groups and members from December 2022 to May 2023, will also return in their usual Thursday evening slot.
Each week, Harrison’s Hub will open its doors from 4:30pm-6:30pm to provide meals and hot drinks. The Community Trust will continue to work with other charities, schools and community groups to deliver these meals, with ‘open’ places also being available each week for participants to register for through the Community Trust’s website, derbycountycommunitytrust.com.
Simon Carnall, Head of Community, said: “Since opening Harrison’s Hub last November we are thrilled the way in which has become a huge asset to both our own charity, the stadium itself and all of those who have been able to make use of our sessions in any way.
“With the funding we secured last winter through the council’s ‘Warm Spaces’ scheme, and the additional funds which fans generously contributed via the 1884 Wall, we were able to sustain all of our meal-based sessions for two months longer than planned last season, which was fantastic.
“Now, after pausing for a summer break, we are thrilled that we have everything in place to reopen these important sessions from the end of September.”
These lunchtime and evening sessions will continue to be complemented by the Community Trust’s wider offer of activity which takes place in Harrison’s Hub.
All session details can be found below:
Sporting Memories
A dementia-friendly support session for those living with dementia and their carers, friends and family, where we reminisce moments from Derby County history.
First Monday of each month: 10am-12pm
Team Talk
A 'safe space' for males to chat about any problems, and to support those with low level mental health problems. Find out more here.
Every Monday: 6pm-8pm
Hub not a Pub
A social space to have a hot drink and a chat, play games and take part in quizzes, along with ‘hub grub’ on chosen dates! Sports matches may also be shown in an inclusive, alcohol-free environment.
Tuesday’s (Bi-Weekly): 7pm-9pm
Extra Time Hub
A social coffee morning for over-55s, providing games, entertainment and hot drinks. Find out more here.
Wednesday’s (Bi-Weekly): £3 per session, 10am-12pm
Knit and Natter
A social hub for knitters. Participants meet weekly to, you guessed it, knit and natter!
Every Thursday: 2pm-4pm
Dad's Space
A ‘safe space’ to chat through issues for Dads and Dads to be to discuss their experiences of fatherhood, supported by Connected Perinatal Support.
Thursday’s (Bi-Weekly): 7:30pm-9pm
To find out more about sessions at Harrison’s Hub, and the wider work of Derby County Community Trust, including how you can support them, please head to derbycountycommunitytrust.com.
