
The countdown is well and truly under way for the doors to open to The Hub at Foulston Park.
It is a key feature of the multi-million-pound Foulston Park project which is transforming the former Brickfields Sports Centre and surrounding site into a centre of sporting excellence and community facilities.
Much has been made of the facilities being created for the next generation of athletes and players, but what will The Hub offer the community?
The Hub is your place and a destination for the whole community; yes, with amazing facilities for you to get fitter and healthier but, most importantly, somewhere you can pop into, enjoy and feel part of.
The Hub will be part of the network of nine Wellbeing Hubs across the city which are designed to deliver health and wellbeing services based on your needs and those of your family and friends.
Run by the voluntary sector, the hubs are welcoming, safe and secure spaces, somewhere for people to meet up, get to know others within your neighbourhood, build friendships, but also to get support or help if you need it across a wide range of issues from volunteers and practitioners.
What exactly is a Wellbeing Hub?
Each hub is slightly different, but here in Devonport, we are going to offer access to a wide range of physical activity programmes, mental health support and life skills training.
There will be something for everyone; whether you’re a young person looking for somewhere to be with friends, a parent looking for affordable activities for your children or an older adult wanting to get fitter or find friends.
Services will be provided onsite by organisations including Argyle Community Trust, Poles Apart AP, Livewell Southwest – whose friendly teams bring many years of experience working locally to support on issues like social isolation, mental and physical wellbeing, and we welcome PL1 Civvy Street who will be supporting veterans in the city.
Some activities you can sign up to yourself (just pop in!) while others may need a referral from a GP or medical professional.
We’re putting together a programme to tackle health issues you care about: weight management, cardiac rehabilitation, falls prevention, support to stop smoking and NHS health checks.
The services offered are in direct response to a comprehensive public consultation carried out in 2022. You told us you wanted accessible, affordable and welcoming spaces that bring people together and connects people. You wanted services, classes or sessions that make you feel fitter, happier and healthier – and that you feel comfortable to join.
Mental health has been flagged as an issue and support will be provided through interventions, youth initiatives and community activities such as the Premier League Kicks programme.
For older adults, initiatives such as the Extra Time project and walking football combat isolation and promote activity.
There will be specialised services for cancer recovery, veterans and parents, including fitness and peer support sessions.
A key issue we also want to tackle is social isolation. We want to encourage people to use the informal café space as a place to meet, connect with others, share experiences or simply enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
As time goes on, we’ll be taking on board feedback to develop our offer to meet the needs of local people and organisations, complementing and adding to what’s already available in the neighbourhood.
So that’s a taster of the services we’re planning: what about the facilities?
Again, in response to what you wanted, we have created a mixture that we hope will appeal to all ages – mums and dads, teenagers, older people, fitness fans and those hoping to get out and about more, those looking for advice or to get help with finding work.
- A soft play zone, with a toddler area, a 3-storey junior play frame, a mini penalty shootout area
- A bright café and lounge area, next to the soft play zone
- An esports/gaming zone with 20 stations, equipped with the latest high spec gaming technology.
- A dedicated youth zone, offering a safe space for young people.
- A new gym space with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a training zone, free weights area, cardio zone, resistance equipment and private personal trainer space.
- Four multi-use rooms, with space to host up to 35 people and equipped with presentation facilities. Perfect for meetings, training, workshops.
- Activities hall, available for a range of uses and groups such as sports clubs, fitness classes and community events and activities.
Anyone can drop-in to The Hub and be welcomed by our friendly teams, who are there to provide support and advice to meet your needs and interests.
We can’t wait to see you!
For more information on the Hub please visit the website:
https://foulstonpark.co.uk/the-hub/
Or email: thehub@foulstonpark.co.uk