Local Action Hubs (LAHs)
Identifying and delivering flexible ways of enabling more people to give their time to make a difference in their communities by establishing local action hubs with town and community councils, encouraging spontaneous and informal volunteering.
“Enabling all citizens to contribute to local activity”
What is a Local Action Hub?
An asset-based, grassroots, not-for-profit community initiative/scheme/ project within a dedicated local area, community or neighbourhood run by local people for local people to improve their health and wellbeing which encompasses:
- A pivotal public building(s) at the heart of a community where local people can come together (building)
- Active citizens within a community coming together with a common goal of using local assets to meet identified needs (people)
- A single organisation or group of organisations within a community working together with a common goal of improving individual and community well-being (organisations)
How does a Local Action Hub help the community?
A Local Action Hub empowers local people to rejuvenate their own communities to create a more caring and supportive environment in the following ways:
- Empowering individuals through personal development (including volunteering)
- Campaigning by working on local issues
- Planning and becoming organised to gain recognition and become more effective
- Being accountable to local people
- Being responsible for funds being used only for the community
- Being committed to initiating change through community activities
- Supporting groups of local people involved in acting for change
What are the anticipated outcomes of a successful Local Action Hub?
- Improved health and wellbeing of both the help-giver and receiver
- Alleviated social isolation
- New and improved services in the community
- Increased skills and knowledge within the community
- Intergenerational activity
- New friendships and relationships locally
- Enhanced community environment both aesthetically and ecologically
- Increased sense of pride and belonging
