An inclusive, safe and welcoming space for the local community.
A warm meal, a friendly face and a place to sit down and feel comfortable. That’s why we’ve created the Bretton Community Hub – a space where anyone in the community can walk in, take part and feel like they belong.
Based at The Cresset, this new hub is shaped around real local needs – from rising living costs to loneliness, digital exclusion and a lack of safe spaces for young people.
Mission Statement
‘Inspiring communities, transforming young lives’
Our Vision
We’re thrilled to share that our new Community Hub is open and welcomes all. Recently, we’ve been working hard to transform the space with brand‑new flooring, a dedicated kitchen area, and a fully fitted kitchen, but that’s only the beginning.
We’ve added comfortable new furniture, relaxed seating areas and flexible spaces designed for one-to-one support, workshops, group activities and life‑skills sessions. Every corner has been created with our community in mind, offering a place to learn, connect and feel at home.
This Hub is more than a building, it’s a space for people to come together, build confidence and take part in opportunities that support wellbeing and growth. We can’t wait for you to step inside and make it your own.
What this space will mean for Bretton
This isn’t just a building. It’s a place where everyday life gets a little easier.
When money is tight, you can take home fresh food. No pressure, no judgement.
When you feel isolated, there’s somewhere to sit, chat and meet people.
When you need help getting online or finding work, there’s support.
When young people need somewhere safe to go, the doors are open.
And for the wider community, it’s a place to come together, to share skills, support one another, and feel part of something local and meaningful. Everything here is designed to be simple, welcoming, and genuinely useful – shaped around what people actually need, not what looks good on paper.
We Need Your Help!
We’re building something special – a Community Hub in the heart of Bretton – and we need your support to help it grow.
This will be a safe, welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, access support and feel a true sense of belonging. From Youth Programmes to a variety of community initiatives, this hub will be a lifeline for many.
But we can’t do it alone.
Donate Now
Support, skills and connection – all in one place
Community Fridge Service
- Free access to fresh, healthy food items to complement food bank provisions
- Surplus food collection from local supermarkets via Neighbourly and Fareshare
- Volunteer roles in food collection, sorting, and fridge maintenance
Free Hot Meals in Winter
- Warm, nutritious meals served to local residents during colder month.
- A welcoming space to share food and conversation
Cultural Cooking Workshops
- Hands-on sessions exploring traditional dishes from diverse cultures
- A celebration of heritage, storytelling, and culinary skills
Community Learning & Workshop’s
- A dedicated venue for local groups to host training, skill-building, and creative workshops
- Open to residents of all ages and backgrounds
Digital Hub
- Reduce digital exclusion through access to laptops and tablets
- Offer training programs on digital literacy
Youth Space
- A dedicated youth space provision which will be
co-designed with young people, ensuring it reflects their voices, interests, and aspirations - Drop-in sessions, creative workshops, youth led initiatives that allow young people to plan their own events alongside workshops, game zones and intergenerational events
- Cooking sessions to build life skills in relation to preparing healthy and nutritious meals on a budget
Resident Space
- Cooking sessions enabling residents will develop essential life skills including cooking techniques, food hygiene, meal planning and budgeting.
- Dedicated space for residents to work towards AQA unit awards, gaining recognised qualifications that support their journey toward independence and positive futures
- Shared meals will promote communal dining, fostering social connection and a sense of belonging in a safe and inclusive environment
Creative Space
- Safe space for people of all ages to engage in the creative arts, from visual arts through to musical workshops and rehearsal space for theatre productions
Courtyard Garden
- Small growing area for vegetables that will feed directly into the cooking sessions. Seeing young people and the community see the full transition from seed to plate.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Roles in organizing and running the fridge, hot meal service, and workshops
- A chance to give back, build skills, and connect with others
Our Supporters
Built by the community, for the community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organisations, partners and individuals whose generosity has made the creation of the hub possible. Every contribution has helped turn this vision into a reality.
Funding Contributions:
- Councillor Scott Warren – Community Leadership Fund – £1,000
- YMCA Metropolitan Trust Fund – £7,908
- Safer on the Streets – £1,500
- Earl Fitzwilliam Trust – £2,000
Our Internal Fundraisers:
A special thank you goes to our amazing internal staff, who have taken part in a range of fundraising events to support the creation of the hub. Their enthusiasm, commitment and community spirit have been invaluable.
Together, these contributions have strengthened our mission and helped us build a safer, more supportive space for everyone.
Be part of something that matters
Fundraising
We would love it if you could help us fundraise for this project?
Some ideas are:
• Quiz nights
• Bake sales
• Sponsored events
Get In Touch
Donate
This space will serve as a central location for events, meetings, and activities that bring us all together.
To make this vision a reality, we need your support. We are seeking donations to help fund the development of the hub and other local YMCA initiatives. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant difference.
