The Melbourn Hub Shows its Worth

Lockdown

The role of the Melbourn Community Hub as the centre of village life was rudely interrupted by the Covid-19 crisis in March, sharing this dreadful experience with all other local businesses and of course residents. Our staff members were furloughed and loyal volunteers asked to stay at home. Many people had to self isolate and it was an intensely anxious time for everyone. The Hub café and the Library Access point were ‘mothballed’ and normal business came to a standstill.

However, immediately before the lockdown was enforced the inevitable problems of isolation and social need were anticipated by the Hub management. It was clear that a task force should be set up. This new team was named the Melbourn Coronavirus Community Response (MCCR).

A proposal was quickly agreed to re-purpose the Hub resources to help the village as the lockdown arrived, thanks to close co-operation and support from the Melbourn Parish Council.

The MCCR

The MCCR was set up in less than 7 days, operating from Melbourn Hub, managed by Cath Sharman and supported closely by District Councillor Jose Hales. The Melbourn Hub’s management group approached Cath, the Melbourn Timebank Coordinator and the Parish Council, to offer the idea and space to set up a community support centre for those needing help during the pandemic and to secure resources for the initiative. Thanks to the swift action of all involved, the MCCR was set up and funded ready to support the community even before the lockdown was formally declared on 23rd March. Numerous volunteers stepped forward and they were either tasked with staffing the 7-day a week MCCR control centre or delivering services to those local residents in need.

The Hub was transformed into a call and operations centre and the MCCR rapidly became central to the lives of more than 500 self-isolating residents, who depended on the prescription collection and food delivery services provided. This operation was staffed from 9.00am to 5.00pm six days a week with telephone emergency support on Sundays too. Services included a Foodbank and weekly pre-prepared food, supplied to targeted individuals and families. Two grants were secured to help fund the work, supplemented by massive public support

through the Just Giving website and assistance from the Parish Council. What a team effort!

In total more than 2,500 hours were volunteered for the MCCR effort since its inception on 16th March 2020. This is what was achieved:

With the support of existing key local organisations and individuals, Melbourn Timebank, Melbourn Hub,

the Parish Council, the Melbourn Mobile Warden Scheme and the District Councillor for Melbourn, the MCCR successfully operated for 20 weeks combatting the epidemic threat to vulnerable residents.

It was a pleasure to receive the many cards and kind gifts of chocolates, cakes and biscuits from grateful residents. It was even more of a pleasure to be able to provide the much needed support!

Huge thanks to all our volunteers who gave so generously of their time. Welcome Back to the Hub!

On the 27th July the Hub opened its doors again to café customers for the first time since March. There had been plenty of comments and requests from residents asking for this to happen as soon as possible and the moment was anticipated with joy. Customers have flocked back, enjoying both hot sunshine and showers.

Full table service is now the order of the day and the customers just love it! Extended outside undercover seating in a marquee adds to the enjoyment.

The Hub reopened with every aspect of customer safety in mind together with a new look menu. Following