Community celebrates the launch of The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House

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The North Paddington community came together on Thursday 17 April to celebrate the launch of The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House - Westminster City Council's new community hub.

“The Exchange” at Ernest Harriss House will be run by the North Paddington Foodbank, offering a range of services, activities, and events tailored to the needs of the local community.

Community Hubs act as a single front door where residents can get advice on housing, finances, employment & benefits, and IT literacy. The council launched two mini-hubs at Victoria Library and Charing Cross Library last year.

The council worked with more than 400 residents to ensure the space was tailored to the needs of the community. The hub has also been designed by a local not-for-profit initiative Flourish.

Speaking at the launch party, Cllr Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

"I’m so excited to officially launch The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House – Westminster City Council’s brand new community hub, which will be run in partnership with North Paddington Foodbank.

“This Community Hub is an important step in our journey to improving how the council ensures that residents have access to effective face to face support in their neighbourhoods, as part of our commitment to tackling health and social inequalities in our city.

"I am proud that the hub has been designed by a local not-for-profit initiative, Flourish, to be a welcoming and inclusive space, offering everything from lunch clubs and coffee mornings, skills classes, benefits advice, employment support and community health classes.

"The Exchange is all about offering easy-to-reach support, building connections, and making sure everyone can get the services they need, right on their doorstep.”

The Exchange can be found at 61 Elgin Avenue, W9 2DB

Opening times are Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm | Sat: 8am–4pm | Sun: Private bookings only.