The Lord-Lieutenant, HM The King’s Representative in Worcestershire, Mrs Beatrice Grant, together with County Councillor Alan Bailes, visited the Community Hub in Woodrow earlier this month to meet residents, volunteers and partner organisations working together to strengthen community support, health and wellbeing in the area.
The visit highlighted the significant progress being made in Woodrow, one of Worcestershire’s priority neighbourhoods, where public services, voluntary organisations, community groups and residents are working side by side to improve access to support, build local capacity and create opportunities for people to thrive.
During a walkabout of the neighbourhood, Mrs Grant visited the Woodrow Community Wellbeing Hub and met partners delivering a wide range of services, support and activities from trusted community spaces at the heart of the community.
The community in Woodrow has been working with Worcestershire’s public health team as part of its national award-winning community development programme. The Woodrow Community Wellbeing Hub, delivered by Pete Martin, acts as a focal point for support, connecting residents with local services and opportunities.
Alongside the Hub, partners including Citizens Advice Bromsgrove and Redditch, The Old Needleworks Foundation, the Food Bank, REACH, Animal Food Bank UK, Your Ideas Youth Community Project, MEI Youth, Reimagine Redditch, BARN, West Mercia Police, Redditch Borough Council, WMWA, The Family Hub, Woodrow Library and local health partners are helping to create a coordinated offer shaped around local need.
The partnership is focused on making services easier to access by bringing support into familiar and trusted community spaces such as the Hub, library, café and Woodrow Centre.
Mrs Beatrice Grant, Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, said: “It was a huge privilege to visit this very special community and see first-hand how organisations and residents are working together to make a real difference. The strength of the partnerships, combined with the commitment and enthusiasm of local people, is helping to create positive opportunities and improve wellbeing across Woodrow.”
Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Alan Bailes said: “On behalf of the residents of Worcestershire, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff, volunteers and community partners who give their time, energy and expertise to support others.
“What we have seen today is community at its very best, with people working together to make a real difference to the lives of local residents.
“Today’s visit has highlighted the strength of partnership working in Woodrow and the vital role that volunteers, staff and local organisations play in helping residents lead healthier, happier and more connected lives. Together, you are making a real difference, and Worcestershire is stronger because of your efforts.”
Public Health supports a range of activities in Woodrow, including the Woodrow Community Wellbeing Hub, community outreach, wellbeing initiatives, community capacity building and targeted support for local residents.