Cabinet has agreed proposals to introduce a Community Hub in Ferndale, as the Council will work with a third-sector organisation to improve the delivery of services in the town.
Cabinet Members have agreed with recommendations in a report to their meeting on Thursday, April 19, which will see a Community Hub model for the delivery of a range of services introduced at Ferndale Infants’ School, working closely with anchor organisation Fern Partnership.
The Community Hubs model has many advantages – more-fit-for-purpose buildings, a better public service offer and a more accessible and cost-effective approach. They also support a preventative approach by enabling families to access support as early as possible.
In Ferndale, the Council Hub arrangement will see the relocation and enhancement of Ferndale Library. Fern Partnership will provide a comprehensive childcare offer while information, advice and employment support programmes will also be available. Fern Partnership will be the anchor organisation for the Hub with responsibility for supporting and developing the community network within the area.
Cabinet made their decision after considering feedback received in a four-week consultation – including a survey, drop-in events and contacting 1,344 library users –undertaken in early 2018.
The Council will continue to engage with residents and service users to ensure the Community Hub meets the needs of residents in Ferndale.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Wellbeing, said:
“The Community Hub model for the delivery of public services has many advantages for both the Council and for service-users – and Cabinet Members have agreed for this approach to be introduced in Ferndale, based at Ferndale Infants’ School.
“The Council has already had success in this approach, having undertaken work to locate services at Porth Plaza which will be used as the basis from which to develop the Hub for Rhondda South. The Council has also agreed a leasehold transfer of Day Centre services in Aberdare to Age Connects Morgannwg, whose £1.1m Community Hub plan has recently received external funding. During October 2017, Cabinet agreed a £500,000 investment to further develop Community Hubs across the County Borough.
“In Ferndale, the Council will enter an innovative partnership with a third sector organisation to deliver local services, after the consultation showed support by the local community for these plans.”
At their meeting on Friday, Cabinet agreed a wider three-year programme to deliver Community Hubs in 10 communities across the County Borough.
