‘A real difference’: how community hubs help local people fight rising living costs

S hortly before lunchtime in a London community centre, older visitors are chatting over coffee and crosswords as young families drift in and out. Kitchen volunteers from the Real Junk Food Project are preparing lunch at a “pay as you feel” cafe, using food that would otherwise have ended up in the bin. Conversations inside the Victorian building at the East Twickenham Neighbourhood Association (ETNA) community centre range from financial advice to digital support, via childcare and legal services. There are counselling drop-ins and self-help groups, while down the corridor yoga is about to start. Over the course of the day, it all builds a picture of what community hubs offer local people. These places are offering financial respite to households, reducing the cost of accessing advice, support, care and essential services. The people at ETNA support ‘a wide range of needs across the community’. Photograph: ETNA Jennifer, a guest at the cafe, says she comes to the centre “for the cafe, to meet friends and for company. The food helps me stretch my pension.” Another visitor says she is grateful to Valentina, who offers help with financial matters: “She found out I was owed a benefit that I was unaware I had a right to claim. It’s been backdated. I am so very grateful.” At ETNA, meals in the cafe are offered with no minimum payment or set charge, just a donation if people can afford it. …