Redbridge Council opens new Engagement Hub at Redbridge Institute of Adult Education
Published: 1 October 2024
Redbridge Council has officially opened its latest Engagement Hub.
The new Engagement Hub, strategically located at the Redbridge Institute of Adult Education (RIAE) campus in Gants Hill, offers local people a range of council services in the heart of communities that need them most, making these services more accessible than ever.
The RIAE Engagement Hub is part of Redbridge Council's groundbreaking approach to decentralising local government. It is joined by Engagement Hubs in Hainault and Ilford Lane, bringing vital council services directly to some of Redbridge's most deprived areas.
The RIAE Engagement Hub will be home to Redbridge Information Advice & Support Service (RIASS), which provides advice for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their parents and carers. Local people will also be able to access vital public health services, including stop-smoking and substance abuse clinics.
The Black Woman Kindness Initiative will be another service offered at the new Hub. This local community group focuses on the well-being of black women, including their mental and emotional needs. It delivers workshops online and in person on self-care, self-acceptance, and self-confidence.
The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “Our neighbours want quick and direct access to key council services. That's why we've opened up three Engagement Hubs in key locations across the borough.
The Engagement Hub in Jubilee Gardens, which opened in Ilford Lane last year, has already proven its worth by significantly supporting the local community, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.
"This approach is about being more innovative and delivering more with less government funding. By decentralising our services, we can give our neighbours the support they need – right on their doorstep. Our new Engagement Hubs provide council services right in the heart of our communities where people need them most. The Redbridge Institute is a busy, thriving campus that will make the perfect location for the new Engagement Hub.”
Will Pickford, principal at Redbridge Institute, said: I am delighted that the new Hub in Gants Hill is now open on our main campus in Gaysham Avenue. It complements the work we do as the adult education service and provides a one-stop shop for residents to access even more support locally, including help with finding jobs through Work Redbridge, who are also here.”
The Hub will be open at least on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Find out more about our Engagement Hubs.
