A DERILICT, leaky warehouse has been transformed into a welcoming space for families across North Dorset.
The Vale Pantry – a social supermarket based in Sturminster Newton that provides food and support for families in need – seized an opportunity to move premises to enable it to become a fully fledged family hub.
This would enable them to provide many more services including midwifery, financial advice, parenting classes, learn and play sessions, and more.
The team at the Vale Pantry have been working tirelessly to transform the derelict, leaky warehouse into a fully-fledged family hub – called the Vale Pantry Family Hub.
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This hub will have all the features of a family hub while retaining the crucial food provision service that the Vale Pantry offered.
Councillor Carole Jones, Family Hub lead and chair of the Local Alliance Group, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the families into our brilliant new space.
“I’m so proud of our army of volunteers who have come together to make this happen, and so grateful to the many donors who have been a part of this.
“We know that this space will make a massive difference to families in the area, just as the beloved Vale Pantry has before.”
Family hubs across Dorset provide much-needed services to families with children from conception to 18 years old. This increases to 25 years if the child has special educational needs and disabilities.
These sites are warm, non-judgemental spaces that offer valuable services while also fostering connections among families and strengthening the community.
When cllr Jones spoke to your New Blackmore Vale about the move in October last year, she mentioned the change in premises would allow the Vale Pantry to expand its offering with services such as a breakfast and after school club, drop-in support services, a café and a soft play area.
The Vale Family Hub is set to celebrate its opening by holding a community day on March 1, and families are encouraged to head down and check out the new space.
The team has ambitious plans for the space and hopes to offer many more services, including homework clubs and social spaces aimed at promoting community and conquering loneliness, all in the hope of fostering independence and improving lives.
Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, said: “The opening of The Vale Family Hub is a fantastic milestone in ensuring families have easy access to the support they need, exactly when they need it.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.”
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