Decision details

Askern Community Hub (ACH) is a registered charity based in what was Askern Community Library. ACH operates as a community resource including: library, conversation point and importantly offers the utilisation of upstairs rooms for a number of local community groups. The primary aim of the Hub is to offer a safe community space and an environment that is about enabling and empowering local people to access the local resource. The Hub through its community offer addresses social isolation and loneliness. As a conversation point, people can attend the library to receive advice and guidance around housing, benefits, local services, volunteering opportunities, employment advice and support and a multitude of other support services. The Hub has a friendly and relaxed environment for local people to meet and socialise, whether they are part of an established group or not.

The large upstairs room, which groups use for weekly activities and other events, has a ventilation system that the ACH have been informed is inadequate, therefore the group activities have had to cease until such time when a new ventilation system is installed. This funding will pay for a new ventilation system and fitting. Once fitted the community will be able to use the space again. Without this, the ACH cannot provide the space for the community groups. ACH is a popular space for residents to gather, for example in the first three months of 2019, ACH had 3,236 visitors. Additionally, the number of groups and the length of time many of these groups have been operation is testament to how necessary this Hub is to the local community. Currently individuals are unable to benefit from attending activities and this may, if it not addressed, impact negatively on their wellbeing. Attendees have stated that since the activities have ceased they have noticed negative effects on their mental and physical health. It is therefore imperative that the wok required upstairs in the Hub is undertaken at the earliest.

To support the purchase and installation of a ventilation system at Askern Community Hub. The system is required to enable the continued access of the upstairs rooms at the hub for local community groups. If the application for funding is not supported, then for health and safety reasons the upstairs room cannot be used.

Option 1 – Do nothing.
This is not an option as the top floor of a well utilised community building will not be accessible due to health and safety reasons.

Option 2 – Support the application to fund the purchase and installation of a ventilation system.
This is the preferred option as it will enable the community building to be utilised to its full potential and importantly