LEATHERHEAD COMMUNITY HUB
Leatherhead Community Hub (LCH) exists to support the community of North Leatherhead. We aim to create a safe, beautiful and welcoming space at the heart of the community where people of all ages can connect, learn, have fun and find the support they need to thrive.
The Leatherhead Community Hub (LCH) was established as a registered charity in July 2020. After 18 months of hard work to refurbish the building, the Hub opened its doors in March 2022 in the old NLCC building on Kingston Road, as a dedicated community centre in North Leatherhead.
Facilities include a Community Café, a well-being garden, areas for community activities, and spaces for hire.
Video transcript
Kat, Café Volunteer: I think what people get the most out of coming here depends on where they are in life. I think if you're lonely and you're needing a place to connect this is a great place to come. I think if you're in need of advice, that's here too. Community Fridge. There's amazing stuff for everyone here.
Karen Woodland, Leatherhead Community Fridge Manager: Before the Community Hub opened we were nomads. We were going from site to site to site and then, once they opened here, they offered us a permanent home which is wonderful. We've got our own container which we can keep all our tables and everything in. We've basically got a home. The customers know where to find us they can come anytime the Hub is open and help themselves food from the fridge freezer or on the shelves.
Kat: Having one location with lots of people using it for different purposes has provided amazing opportunities to do joined up work, whether that's someone coming in to the Community Fridge because they need something to eat and then finding out you actually need some support with other parts of your life and finances so why don't you come to the advice cafe or whatever and having that central place has really streamlined a lot for people.
Sophie and Dorothy, Granddaughter and Grandmother: The Community Fridge was the first thing that I came to which was a lifesaver. Then the Family Feast - it's free for the community so for struggling parents it's incredible. I meet my friends here and the kids come and we really get to join in and just cheer and eat the food together. It's lovely.
Robert, Volunteer: I work in the kitchens and assist the guys in preparing those meals serving them and it's a wonderful experience doing that as well.
Marion Stanway, Manager, The Hive: The space definitely helps with social isolation. People have made new friends and are making new friends all the time because we have a core of people who come through regularly.
Robert: We've started a curry night for men drawing in family men, dads and single guys, some of them struggling with different issues in their lives. We're creating a safe space for them to come and share and talk.
Marion: The Hive is a creative space for the community. The two sections are open on a drop-in basis and clients can use all of the facilities that we have here and we have everything to facilitate art or textile related crafts.
Kat: The Hive is amazing. Just for someone to come in and make something for an afternoon or try something new, I think can definitely boost confidence and mental health. I think the community impact on anyone is really unmeasurable
Jenny Moore, Trustee and Co-Founder: It enhances and definitely impacts those who come but it has had a ripple effect out and I think it's caused others to come and look and say this is really good and I think every community needs these spaces.
Sophie: I feel like there wasn't anything before. I was very lost and lonely before this place and now, yeah, it's changed my life.
Café
The Old Schoolhouse Café offers simple, healthy food and drinks at affordable prices in a beautiful setting.
What you can do
Try a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, games and fitness or simply get together with others.
Rooms
The Hub offers five spaces for hire, suitable for community groups, classes, events, meetings and parties.
Support us
Nearly all our activities are run by volunteers. Get in touch if you would like to join in or support us in other ways.