Love Stevenage recently had the pleasure of visiting the Compassionate Neighbours Wellbeing Hub in Knebworth, a part of the amazing Garden House Hospice Care network. Colette, representing Love Stevenage, was warmly welcomed to the hub and experienced first-hand the community spirit and joy that these hubs bring to local residents. The visit highlighted the incredible impact that volunteering in Stevenage and its surrounding areas can have on people’s lives.
A Warm Welcome by Knebworth Volunteer
Colette was greeted by Ian Allinson, Compassionate Neighbours Hub Co-ordinator and some of the dedicated volunteers at the Knebworth Wellbeing Hub. Ian introduced her to several regulars, including “hub hoppers” Ann and Linda. These two have become regular faces at the hubs, attending multiple sessions each week.
Ann was keen to share why she loves coming to the Wellbeing Hub: “I absolutely love the sense of community here. It keeps me active, and I’ve made some great friends with common interests. The format of the sessions is perfect for me. I couldn’t imagine my week without it!”
Linda, another devoted attendee, echoed similar feelings. Although she has a large family close by, she recognises that not everyone is as lucky. She appreciates having a local place where she can meet new people and feel supported. “Not everyone has a big family, so places like this are vital. It gives me a reason to get out of the house and socialise.”
Fran, another regular, was there on doctor’s orders! She explained that her GP recommended attending the Wellbeing Hub to maintain her mental and physical health. “It’s part of my doctor’s plan to keep me happy and healthy!”
What Happens at the Wellbeing Hub?
The Knebworth Wellbeing Hub runs every Wednesday and offers a packed programme designed to engage, uplift, and energise attendees. The day starts with a warm meet-and-greet, where everyone catches up over tea and biscuits. Then, it’s time for some light chair exercises to help people get moving, followed by a full routine to some great tunes. The session always ends on a high with a singalong – a favourite part for many!
After the exercise, tables are set up for refreshments and a quiz. Everyone joins in, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
“The energy in the room was amazing from the moment I walked in,” said Colette. “Everyone was so engaged with the session and each other. I was really inspired to see how much happiness and positivity these hubs bring. It has definitely encouraged me to volunteer more and ensure that Love Stevenage continues to support such a fantastic initiative.”
The Growing Need for Volunteers
Megan, a Digital Marketing and Communications Officer at Garden House Hospice Care, was thrilled to have Colette visit. She shared that the Wellbeing Hubs are growing in popularity, and as they expand, so does the need for volunteers. The more people who attend, the more hands-on help they require to keep things running smoothly.
Jeanette Farrow, Compassionate Neighbours Manager at the Hospice, highlighted an urgent issue: “We desperately need more Compassionate Neighbours in the Stevenage area. There are around 20 lonely and socially isolated people on our waiting list, and it’s the only area in our catchment where people are waiting up to two months before being contacted. It’s heartbreaking. The demand is there, but we need more volunteers to meet it.”
Why Are Wellbeing Hubs Important?
The Wellbeing Hubs are a lifeline for many people. They offer a safe space for people who might otherwise feel lonely or isolated, giving them a reason to get out of the house, meet new friends, and stay active. Since the launch of the hubs in March 2018, they have seen hundreds of attendees, and currently they are seeing over 400 a week, which is an average of 33 people per hub.
Doctors often recommend these sessions to help people stay physically and mentally healthy. The mix of gentle exercises, socialising, and quizzes stimulates both body and mind.
Compassionate Neighbours
The Compassionate Neighbours service provides one to one matches to lonely and/or socially isolated people with a life limiting condition or frailty, as well as offering the Wellbeing Hubs. This service trains local volunteers (called Compassionate Neighbours) to provide this wonderful service and since they started they’ve trained 552 Compassionate Neighbours and made over 1,100 matches.
However, with 1762 referrals since 2018, the need for more volunteers is clear. Stevenage, in particular, has a growing waiting list of people who need support. Becoming a Compassionate Neighbour means offering friendship, a listening ear, and practical help to someone in your community. If you’ve ever considered volunteering in Stevenage, now is the perfect time to get involved and you only need one hour a week to make such a difference.
The Costs of Running the Hubs
It takes time, effort, and resources to keep the Wellbeing Hubs running. Here are some key figures that highlight the costs involved:
- £35: A return trip for seven people in the minibus to a Wellbeing Hub.
- £50: One seated exercise session for around 33 people attending the hub.
- £130: The overall cost of running a weekly Wellbeing Hub, attended by an average of 33 lonely and isolated people.
- £220: The cost of providing all refreshments at a Wellbeing Hub for a full year.
The Growing Network of Wellbeing Hubs
There are currently 11 Wellbeing Hubs across the Garden House Hospice Care network, including a specialist Healthy Memory Café for those living with dementia. By January 2025, four more hubs will be added, allowing even more people to benefit from these wonderful community initiatives.
For anyone looking to get involved, the hubs welcome new visitors with open arms. If you live in or near Stevenage and want to support local charities, becoming a volunteer could be a life-changing opportunity for both you and the people you help.
Get Involved
Volunteering in Stevenage is a fantastic way to make a difference, and the Wellbeing Hubs are always in need of kind-hearted individuals to lend a hand. Whether it’s helping to set up, leading an activity, or simply offering companionship, every volunteer brings something valuable to the table.
If you’re interested in supporting this incredible service, you can visit the Garden House Hospice Care website for more details on how to become a Compassionate Neighbour . Together, we can ensure that no one in our community feels alone.
By volunteering or donating, you’ll be helping Garden House Hospice Care continue its work of supporting hundreds of people through these fantastic hubs. Volunteering and giving back to the community doesn’t just help others – it’s also a rewarding and fulfilling experience for you!
Love Stevenage’s visit to the Knebworth Wellbeing Hub highlighted the importance of these sessions for local communities. With people like Ann, Linda, and Fran finding joy and support at the hubs, it’s clear that they play a crucial role in reducing isolation and promoting health and happiness. With plans for expansion and the need for more volunteers, there’s never been a better time to get involved with local charities in Stevenage and make a positive difference!
To find out more about the visit – take a look at the Love Stevenage Instagram
