Individuals and families who need support in Altrincham are turning to a very special organisation for help in the run up to Christmas and New Year.
The much-loved community centre, ‘The Hub’ run by Altrincham Baptist Church in partnership with Trafford Council, is providing help and support to more than 900 people a week at its base on Pownall Road in the heart of Altrincham.
The Hub is motivated by Christian values to serve the community and provide a space where people of all ages experience a warm welcome, care, and kindness.
It is one of six hubs run by community-based organisations across Trafford - the others are in Urmston, Stretford, Old Trafford, Sale, and Partington – which help those who need additional help with food prices, rising energy costs and understanding where to go for help.
Providing the right response is at the heart of everything the centre does, enabling support for the many people in the community experiencing hardship. Staff provide practical help and signposting to the right services, including urgent assistance with food and energy costs. They also offer food bank vouchers, working in partnership with the Trussell Trust, to ensure people do not go hungry.
The Hub provides ongoing food and meal support through initiatives such as the Bread and Butter Thing, serving around 70 households weekly, and Free Food Friday, a no-questions-asked top-up shop for WA14 and WA15 residents, supported by Tesco.
A weekly community meal brings 35 to 50 people together for a hot meal, conversation, and companionship. The monthly Inclusion Brunch, led by volunteers Helen and Andrew, provides a warm, accepting space for around 20 local people on a Sunday.
An on-site café, open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, offers refreshments and conversation, while the digital café volunteers help people navigate online services.
The children and families leader runs a free after-school club, activities, and is one of Trafford’s only SEND groups for children with additional needs and their grown-ups.
The centre also provides ESOL classes, a Conversation Café, Citizens advice drop in, a craft group, and other community initiatives to foster connection, learning, and wellbeing.
There is also specialist guidance through the Work Well key worker, helping those returning to work after ill health, and the Changing Futures key worker, who supports people experiencing multiple disadvantages.
Sarah Milly, Community Hub Leader, said:
“We are privileged to serve our community at The Hub Altrincham, to help those struggling through the cost of living crisis. Christmas may be a brilliant time for some – but for others it is a struggle, and we are here to help those residents feel support, connection and love.
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and around 150 people within the hub contribute their time and energy across every part of the centre—welcoming visitors, packing food, running activities, and supporting families. Our volunteer coordinator ensures that everyone is connected, and empowered to make a difference, helping to create a hub that truly feels like a second home to many local people.”
Cllr George Devlin, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Advice, said: “The Hub in Altrincham provides a fantastic service to all those in the community who need its help and support. Thousands of families and individuals can count on its help to keep them afloat during these troubled times. Thank you so much to The Hub and all the volunteers for your fantastic work.”
Anyone having a cupboard clear out before Christmas is asked to donate any long shelf-life items. To contact the Hub, please call 0161 941 2018 or Email: info@ourhub.org.