During its first year, The Cwtch Hub CIC established and developed an inclusive community hub and café in Newton Abbot, creating a welcoming space where people could connect, access support, take part in activities and feel part of their local community.The company’s activities focused on reducing social isolation, supporting wellbeing, improving access to practical help and creating opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to participation. The Hub provided an accessible community space for individuals and families, including older people, people experiencing financial hardship, adults with additional needs, neurodivergent people, veterans and others who may be socially isolated or disadvantaged.Throughout the year, The Cwtch Hub delivered a growing programme of community activities, including social groups, creative activities, community meals, informal peer support, digital support and opportunities for volunteering. The organisation also developed initiatives including a community fridge and food support, helping local residents access essential items while reducing food waste.The café provided more than a commercial service. It acted as a central meeting point where people could build relationships, access information and support, and take part in community life in a relaxed and non-clinical environment. The Hub also created supported work experience and volunteering opportunities for adults with additional needs and others seeking to build confidence, skills and experience.The company worked collaboratively with local organisations, charities, businesses and community groups to improve signposting and ensure that people could be connected with specialist support where appropriate.During its first year, The Cwtch Hub also began developing projects focused on areas of identified local need, including support for the Armed Forces community, neurodivergent adults, people at risk of isolation and people experiencing hardship.The overall impact of the company’s first year was the creation of a new, accessible community resource in Newton Abbot. The Hub has helped people form friendships, increase confidence, access practical support, develop skills and feel more connected to their local community.Any surplus generated by the company has been, and will continue to be, reinvested into activities and services that benefit the community and further the social aims of The Cwtch Hub CIC.

The Cwtch Hub CIC’s stakeholders include local residents, service users, volunteers, staff, community groups, local charities, partner organisations, local businesses, funders and other organisations working with people who may benefit from the Hub’s activities. 

Stakeholder consultation has taken place informally and on an ongoing basis throughout the company’s first year. This has included conversations with people using the Hub, feedback from volunteers and staff, discussions with community organisations and partner agencies, engagement through social media, and feedback received during community events, groups and activities.The company has also listened closely to the experiences of people accessing support, particularly those affected by social isolation, financial hardship, neurodivergence, additional needs, poor mental health, homelessness and other barriers to participation in community life.

Feedback has directly influenced the development of the Hub’s activities. Where people identified a need for more opportunities to socialise and connect with others, the company expanded its programme of community groups and activities. Feedback around affordability and financial hardship contributed to the development of community food support, community meals and other low-cost or free activities.The company has also adapted the way activities are delivered to make the Hub more inclusive and accessible. Feedback from neurodivergent people and those with additional needs has helped shape quieter, more flexible and less formal activities, as well as the provision of practical sensory support and opportunities for people to participate at their own pace.Feedback from volunteers and people seeking work experience has influenced the creation of supported volunteering and work experience opportunities, allowing individuals to build skills, confidence and experience within a supportive environmentThe company has also worked with local organisations and community partners to identify gaps in local provision and improve signposting. This consultation contributed to the development of additional areas of work, including greater support for the Armed Forces community and people experiencing or at risk of homelessnessThe Cwtch Hub CIC will continue to consult with its stakeholders as the organisation develops, using feedback to review existing activities, identify new areas of need and ensure that its services remain relevant and beneficial to the local community.