As lockdown eases and leisure facilities get back to normal business the operation of the community hub in Folkestone has transferred to Age UK South Kent Coast from Monday 21 June from the previous operators Three Hills Sports Park.
This new hub based at the Folkestone offices of Age UK South Kent Coast will operate the same services, with no change to the contact telephone number and supported by the volunteer network who continue to assist the community so well.
The district hubs were set up back in March 2020 as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the needs of shielding residents and other vulnerable people in need of help. Folkestone & Hythe District Council supported Three Hills Sport Park in Folkestone, Age UK in Hythe and the Romney Marsh Day Centre on the Marsh to set up hubs to help residents.
Despite the easing of some restrictions some residents still need help as a result of COVID – particularly those classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable. Volunteers are still carrying out some shopping, supporting people with ways of re-engaging back into society and making regular calls to address loneliness, isolation and signpost to help for mental health issues as well as providing support for those self-isolating. The community hubs will continue to function to provide this crucial support.
Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities said: “We look forward to working in partnership with Age UK SKC now the Three Hills Sports Park leisure centre is re-opening fully.
“On behalf of everyone at the council and the numerous residents that have received support I would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Three Hills for their dedication and hard work – particularly Centre Manager Nick Shaw.”
Contact details for the community hubs in the district are as follows:
Folkestone Community Hub
Email: COVID-19@ageukskc.org.uk
Call: 01303 316186
Open: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm
Hythe Community Hub
Email: covid-19@ageukhl.org.uk
Call: 01303 269602 (messages can be left outside opening hours)
Open: Monday – Friday: 9am – 3.45pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10am – 2pm (phone lines only)
Romney Marsh Community Hub
Email: covid-19@rmdc.org.uk
Call: 01797 208590
Open: Monday – Friday: 9am – 12pm
To find out more about the community hubs and the services they offer please visit: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/community-hubs