We have received this update from organiser, Ruth Thompson:

Clitheroe Ukraine Support Project  CUSP

We would like to say an enormous “thank you” to Trinity Methodist Hub for the kindness, welcome and thoughtfulness shown to CUSP.

We offer  practical and emotional support for guests and hosts, and with grateful thanks to Trinity, the United Reformed Church and St James’ Church  we are able offer a centre for those in need to meet to support each other.

The Street at Trinity is an ideal venue. The welcome is warm. We meet there on a Monday morning, and offer practical help with things such as Job Centre interviews, job finding, bank accounts, school places and those other things which are individual to our guests. The air is a buzz of different languages as our guests enjoy speaking to each other in their first language, but also strive to learn the ins and outs of English!

Alongside the coffee and chat there are sessions which offer a haircut from Vicki and Janet (which have been greatly appreciated!) a cooking session, and above all an opportunity for people to come together.

Thanks to Clitheroe Library we have established a “Pop Up Shop” with new and nearly new clothes and toiletries. Guests to the Hub are given a voucher and visit the shop as and when they need any items. Clarks of Burnley have also done a Shoe Voucher, and CUSP pay a very reduced bill at the end of each month so that our Guests all have a new pair of shoes.

Many local businesses have been amazing in their support. Many individuals too. Presently we have enough donations of most clothing. We are still however collecting new toiletries and make up, and new children and women’s underwear and swim wear. Ribble Valley have kindly just agreed to swim passes for our guests!

Thank you all so much again for the warm welcome and the understanding you have shown all our guests, hosts and volunteers. We could not have done it without you.

Carol’s experience includes setting up a healthy living community centre for the Big Lottery in Knutsford, Cheshire and she was County Organiser for Lancashire Young Farmers.  Her new role includes working with volunteers to manage the development and promote the new £1 million facilities which were created when Trinity was closed during the pandemic. The new hub includes a state of the art catering kitchen, a new additional entrance from the Castle park and a modern light space called ‘the street’ which is ideal for community events, pop up café activities and art exhibitions.

New users include Veterans in the Community, Clitheroe Ukranian Support Group and Ribble Valley Climate Action Network. Other groups who are enjoying the new facilities include uniformed organisations, Trinity Tots and Clitheroe U3A.

Carol’s appointment and the promotion of the new hub facilities was delayed due to Covid. Official opening events will be held in the autumn.

Carol said: ‘The new facilities are a wonderful resource for the town. I am keen to welcome people to come and have a look at the great new room spaces which are fully accessible and suitable for all kinds of activities and events.’

Carol can be contacted on 07581 187 615 or by email hello@trinityhub.org.uk. to arrange a viewing of the facilities or to discuss booking the hub.

Carol Baird is pictured with Clitheroe Methodist Circuit Superintendent Rev Ian Humphreys, Minister at Trinity Methodist Church.

Gill Hughes from Bowel Cancer Screening Lancashire chatted to Veterans at their weekly Tuesday meeting the ‘The Street’ at Trinity Hub about the latest NHS publicity campaign for bowel screening entitled ‘don’t die of embarrassment’. The NHS campaign encourages men and women of all ages – but especially aged 60 plus – to get screened and so could act on any bowel cancer symptoms they may be experiencing before it is too late. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable if diagnosed early.

Free testing kits are sent discreetly in the post for people to test themselves and send back results for analysis. Kits are available by phoning for free 0800 707 60 60.

The Veterans In the Community ‘VIC’s group meets every Tuesday morning from 10-12am in ‘The Street’ at Trinity Community Hub.
Contact Hub Manager Carol Baird on 07581187615 for more details.

The Saturday morning Trinity Coffee Stop has been running for over ten years on the last Saturday of every month between 10am and 12 noon. It is organised by volunteers from the Church and is open to everyone. Refreshments include tea, coffee, bacon butties, toasted teacakes and there are various stalls and free craft activities for families.

The special event was part of the town’s Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues festival. A spontaneous collection to support victims of the war in Ukraine raised over £100 which was donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Forthcoming Summer Coffee Stop dates

Saturday 28 May
Saturday 25 June 
Saturday 30 July
Saturday 27 August