The community hub can be intimidating as there’s lot’s of security wondering around. You might find staff members staring and questioning why you’re in the building. However, the team at the job shop are friendly and keen to help. Richard told Leeds Now he was “asked by about 10-12 people for a hot drink yesterday.” It seems to be a success as “so far its quite busy” as a “range of people” including “singles, couples and families” have been coming in.
The hub also offers people a place to charge their devices and access WIFI. “People have been charging their phones at the community hub for the last few years [there have been no] more people then usual.”
The service is also open to the homeless, “if they wanted to sit here all day, as long as they’re not causing any problems, then there would be no reason for them to be asked to leave.” He added “with homelessness we have the housing options team here, so that’s why homeless people do come here to be assessed for emergency housing.” That means a vulnerable person who’s come in just for a hot drink might be connected with other teams within the hub, utilising other services available.
The Hub is open 9-5 most weekdays (opens at 10am on Tuesdays). It is closed on the weekends. Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street is open on Saturdays 10-4. Sadly, there aren’t any warmer places available to the public on Sundays in the city centre.
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