The Healthy Hub, a new Community Interest Company in Lincoln, has benefited from loans totalling £100,000 from TSELF to purchase fixed assets and fund the refurbishment of an old parish hall in the centre of Lincoln, known as The Hub.
The Healthy Hub CIC opened its doors on Friday 14 November and offers a vibrant café/restaurant, wholefood shop and gift store aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles, while at the same time providing jobs for disadvantaged people. The building is already established as a centre for voluntary/community organisations and will now also provide a range of conference and meeting rooms available to hire as well as an online store.
“At The Healthy Hub, we employ people who may otherwise have difficulties finding or maintaining a job,” says Chief Executive Rebecca Dray. “This may be for a variety of reasons, but could be the result of social stigma, mental health difficulties, a physical disability or other long term medical condition.
“We are delighted with the loans from TSELF, which will help us get the business off the ground, and we are extremely grateful for their help.”
One of the main aims of The Healthy Hub is to help people off benefits by providing a supported and safe working environment which offers realistic earnings. Staff members receive recognised City and Guilds training as well as being educated in the benefits of healthy food and how to prepare meals. There are also opportunities for volunteers and work placements for students.
Through its activities, The Healthy Hub aims to give funds to local voluntary organisations and charities, such as Linking Voices, which supports people with mental health issues.
“The Healthy Hub CIC is an innovative new venture which will not only provide a valuable service for the local community, but will offer much needed opportunities to those who may otherwise have difficulty finding a job,” says Avril Howker, Regional Director of TSELF.
“As a social enterprise, The Healthy Hub operates like any other commercial business, but it also has a strong social and environmental ethos, so TSELF was pleased to be able to help.”
The Healthy Hub in Beaumont Fee, Lincoln, is open from 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9.00am – 4.00pm on Sunday.
The Healthy Hub, a new Community Interest Company in Lincoln, has benefited from loans totalling £100,000 from TSELF to purchase fixed assets and fund the refurbishment of an old parish hall in the centre of Lincoln, known as The Hub.