LIFE-CHANGING COMMUNITY CENTRE REVIVED BY VITAL REFURBISHMENT

A pillar in the Salford community has been transformed by a £30,000 refurbishment following an essential fundraising appeal. 

The Hive community centre in Victoria Park, Swinton has long been providing life-changing support and welfare advice to Salford residents but needed a refurbishment it couldn’t afford. Now it has been refreshed and re-energised by the transformative works. The works allow it to continue to help support and promote residents to gain self-confidence and assist in finding employment in addition to wellbeing support for mental health issues and substance abuse.The Hive also facilitates free alternative education provision, delivered by the Community Social Inclusion Network (CSIN), which trains and mentors many individuals through difficult periods in their lives. It has played an integral part in improving the lives of residents, including ex-armed forces officer Jamie, who served in Iraq. He has found The Hive to be a “place to come to have a chat, share life experiences and access support to guide my life in a positive direction” and cannot imagine life without The Hive’s nurturing.  

Danielle, who is currently homeless, has championed the community spirit of the hub. She said:

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“The Hive provides me with friendship and support within an informal environment where I feel welcomed and valued.”

A key part of the work carried out by family-run contractor Seddon was the installation of central heating and high-quality insulation, which it hadn’t previously had. The centre has also had all windows replaced and a new kitchen fitted alongside painting and joinery work to make The Hive a more vibrant, welcoming, and comfortable space for all. The refurbishment has given the highly valued community space a new lease of life, with the investment allowing the facility to remain open throughout the year. 

Its refurbishment was celebrated at a launch event 6th January. Key leaders from Salford City Council, including The Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett and Les Woolhouse, head of building and facilities were in attendance as well as Seddon CEO Jonathan Seddon and owner and director Nicola Hodkinson. They were joined by residents who spoke positively about what The Hive and this refurbishment means to them and the Salford community at large.

 Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“The much-needed transformation of the Hive Community Centre is fantastic. I’m absolutely delighted to see it open, meet the people who use the centre and hear about the wide range of positive differences it makes to their lives. It is now a building fit for the excellent services it provides and set for a positive future.

“Salford City Council has supported the Hive since it opened its doors to both veterans and the wider community. We’re proud of the incredible people who work there who clearly have the Spirit of Salford and provide local people with the vital support and care they need.”Seddon was touched by the value The Hive brings to the local community and was eager to provide the refurbishment works it desperately needed."

 

Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon said:

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“The Hive is a fantastic and well-valued pillar of the community which has been providing so much to the residents of Salford for so many years. Hearing stories from the people they’ve helped support and get back on their feet has been inspirational. When we saw their appeal for central heating and just how much the refurbishment would mean to the local area, it was an easy choice for us to step in and provide as much assistance as we could.”

“CSIN and The Hive make a real, positive difference to people. We are proud to have refurbished The Hive so that residents of Salford have a much-needed space to come together to socialise and enjoy activities and enrichment all year round.”