Set up eight years ago by local parents looking for somewhere to socialise with their children, the NR5 Community Hub has grown to offer multiple opportunities for the community in the North Earlham area of Norwich to come together.
From stay-and-play sessions for families, to community lunches and adult drop in coffee mornings, the charity has worked hard to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming space for all age groups. The Youth Hub is particularly popular with around 15-20 young people aged from 11 years old attending the Friday evening sessions.
The grant from Denbury Homes will provide support for this youth activity, helping cover building rent and insurance as well as contributing towards the cost of ingredients for the weekly cooking activity and other supplies for the group.
Project Manager and one of the founders of the NR5 Community Hub, Lorraine Waller said: “Building a strong community is at the centre of everything we do here. Our youth hub is a safe space where young people can learn and growth together without a rigid schedule or prescribed activities.
“We have a fantastic team of young leaders for our youth hub, and they help select and run the activities. The group was particularly keen to improve their cooking skills so now each week they prepare, cook, eat – and wash up after – a delicious healthy meal. With the pressure on families from the rising cost of living this is a great opportunity for the young people to learn about budgeting, planning meals and cooking for themselves.”
As well as cooking, the youth hub also offers games, activities, music, and a place to connect with friends away from school.
Nick Holmes, Operations Director at Denbury Homes recently visited the Youth Club at NR5 and said: “Lorraine and her team of volunteers and young leaders have created something really special at NR5 and we are delighted to be able to support them. Our region is well known for its thriving communities. The popularity of the NR5 Community Hub goes to show how important such opportunities are for local people.
“During my visit, I had the pleasure of seeing the youth club in action. The centre was buzzing with young people socialising and enjoying some healthy competition. A friendly game of air hockey was in full swing – but my skills were no match for the young people’s enthusiasm!
“NR5 is dedicated to creating an inclusive space for young people. The youth club’s cooking activity is a great initiative to build young people’s skills and understanding of what goes into planning and cooking a meal. Involvement with the group also helps young people improve their confidence, build friendships, and grow their leadership skills.”
The grant was facilitated by the Norfolk Community Foundation. Jo Maddocks, Programme Advisor said: “NR5 offers a fantastic service to their community and it’s particularly exciting to see how engaged the young people are with the Youth Hub. We’re delighted that Denbury Homes has been able to support them.”
Nick finishes: “We pride ourselves helping charities and groups that contribute to building strong communities throughout our region. We’re looking forward to hearing what NR5’s Youth Hub has on the menu for 2024!”
The Youth Hub meets every Friday 4.30-6.00pm. Any young people over the age of 11 living in the NR5 8 postcode are welcome to attend. For more information visit their Facebook page.