Jubilee Hub Celebrates Three Years’ Service to the Community!
The Jubilee Hub Partnership comprising Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC), Uttlesford Community Action Network (UCAN) and Enterprise East Group CIC (EE), opened the doors to Jubilee Hub in April 2023. Working together, its aim has been to shape activities and services to meet the needs of the community whilst providing a community space for other activities / hirers. Three years on, the partnership continues to provide a community space for its residents in the centre of Saffron Walden, offering a (warm), safe space for people to meet and socialise, whilst also taking part in an activity or support group. Everyone is welcome.
The Weekly Activity Programme has evolved over the three years and includes; Meet up Monday, Artist Hour, The Fellarship Men’s Social Group, Singing for the Soul and Warm Welcome.
Affordable Lunches are available every Monday and every Wednesday, 12.15 – 1.45pm, with last food orders at 1.30pm. The food offering consists of soup, baked potatoes with fillings and a variety of ‘things on toast’ – and is reviewed continually with demand and customer requests being considered. All meals are offered at a subsidised price, however customers are welcome to give more if they feel able, as this is a charitable endeavour. All funds raised are invested back into supporting the community.
A SWTC spokesperson said, “The Town Council was delighted to extend the service offering at the Jubilee Hub with the opening of the kitchen in October 2025. This brought a new and welcomed addition to the raft of community activities at Jubilee Hub, providing an affordable lunch and opportunities to meet friends old and new, in a warm, safe and accessible setting.” UCAN’s Chief Officer, Clive Emmett, added, “We are thrilled that the kitchen is alive again, offering affordable lunches and companionship at Jubilee Hub”. Everyone is welcome; please do come and join us.
The Community Fridge (managed by UCAN) opened in February 2024, and had provided a step towards reducing food wastage. The fridge is located in the lobby, and is regularly stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables donated by local food outlets, along with still good to eat items like bread, cakes and drinks; it’s primary focus is on food waste rather than food poverty and is available for everyone’s use – no appointment is necessary. More recently, a Food Support grant received from Essex County Council (ECC) provided fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the winter months, during the coldest and hardest weeks of the year, for many. It operates whilst Jubilee Hub is open – weekdays only, between 9.30am – 4pm.
Said UCAN’s Chief Officer, Clive Emmett, “UCAN as part of the Jubilee Hub Partnership, are extremely pleased to have been able to make use of such important funding from ECC to support the local community when people are finding the price of food a real challenge. Our Community Fridge in Jubilee Hub has been an important resource to our local residents and families in need at this particularly difficult time of year”. A SWTC added, “Making good use of this food, is not only a great way to supplement the Uttlesford Foodbank offer for residents, but also reduces food wastage in our town”.
If your Saffron Walden food / hospitality business would like to be involved with this worthwhile enterprise, collection arrangements can be made at the end of the day on either an ad hoc basis or as a regular arrangement. Please email connect@ucan.org.uk to register your interest.
Volunteering Opportunity! If you have a few hours spare each week and would like to be involved in a worthwhile cause, please email volunteer@ucan.org.uk or pop into the Volunteer Centre at Jubilee Hub to register your interest.
Keep up to date at: www.facebook.com/jubileehubsaffronwalden or
https://saffronwalden.gov.uk/services/the-jubilee-hub/
