The Hold Programme created by The Witham Hub has received a major donation of £5,000 from the Communities Committee of Witham Town Council. The principle behind the Programme is providing support and help for vulnerable people in the community before they fall into crisis.
It includes free support and impartial advice as well as help with completing the paperwork for a wide variety of support including PIP, universal tax credit, attendance allowance, housing allowance, housing applications, maternity payments, state pension, child benefit, Blue Badge applications and many more.
The Hub works with local organisations such as schools, GPs, businesses and other charities, as part of the Programme. These organisations, as trusted partners, refer people that may need help and support before their lives become too difficult to manage alone. A major objective is to raise awareness of the fact that support is available from The Hub and the many facilities and supportive events it offers. The Programme’s memorable slogan is ‘putting the unity back into community.’
Tina Townsend, Chair of The Hub’s board of trustees said: “We are immensely grateful to the Communities Committee at Witham Town Council for their generous donation. It will help us to significantly develop the Hold Programme, which we feel provides a vital, proactive service in helping local people at a critical time in their lives, before they find themselves unable to cope. Sometimes life can seem like an overwhelming obstacle course and we are here to help people deal with those obstacles, one by one, without losing hope.”
A spokesperson for Witham Town Council said: “We are delighted to be able to support such a welcome initiative. The work that Tina and her team have put in over the past few challenging years is astounding. We know that far too many members of our community are struggling and so any additional resources that can aid with that struggle are invaluable.
“The Hub is providing hope to those families that just need a little something to help them get by; supporting this project grants a lifeline for our community at a time when it’s most needed.”