Glossop's Gamesley to Receive New Community Wellbeing Hub with Major Funding Boost
A significant investment of almost £200,000 has been secured to develop a new community wellbeing hub in Glossop, specifically in the Gamesley area. The funding, amounting to £191,570, has been awarded to the local charity The Bureau by Mayor Claire Ward of the East Midlands from her £3 million Community Development Fund.
Targeted Investment for Disadvantaged Areas
Gamesley is one of ten neighbourhoods across the East Midlands Combined County Authority region selected for this investment. These areas were identified as facing high levels of disadvantage and having fewer local community and voluntary organisations compared to other regions. The funding aims to support community-led projects that build skills, strengthen resilience, and empower residents to shape their neighbourhoods' futures.
Transforming the Community Centre
The funding will be used to develop the Gamesley Wellbeing Hub, which will be based at the existing Gamesley Community Centre. This location holds symbolic importance, as it was where Mayor Claire Ward officially launched the Community Development Fund last year. The project seeks to transform the centre into a welcoming, accessible hub where residents can connect, support each other, and access health, wellbeing, and employment opportunities locally.
Official Statements on the Initiative
Mayor Claire Ward emphasized the community-driven nature of the project, stating, "Communities like Gamesley know better than anyone what they need to thrive, and this funding is about backing local people to lead change in their own neighbourhoods." She added that the investment would help create stronger, healthier neighbourhoods and ensure everyone in the region has a chance to share in its future.
Natalie Rhodes, chief officer of The Bureau, expressed delight at receiving the funding, noting, "We're proud to be working alongside residents and partners to create something that will make a lasting difference." She highlighted that the hub would enable local people to connect, improve their health and wellbeing, and access new opportunities close to home.
Comprehensive Plans for the Hub
The wellbeing hub will feature a wide range of services and activities designed to enhance community life. Key components include:
- Social prescribing programs to connect individuals with non-medical support
- NHS health outreach services for accessible healthcare
- Initiatives to boost social connectedness and reduce isolation
- Volunteering and employability programmes to build skills and pathways to work
- A variety of social, educational, and wellbeing activities
According to The Bureau's application, the project aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and increase volunteering, employability, entrepreneurship, and active lifestyles. The charity stated, "Working with local residents, The Bureau, Gamesley Community Group CIO and partners will bring health, sport, learning and volunteering under one roof." This collaborative effort will involve upgrading the building and facilities, creating more opportunities for young people and families, and developing skills pathways.
The overarching goal is to give local residents more choice and control, improve health and confidence, and expand work opportunities. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering a more vibrant and supportive community in Gamesley, Glossop.
