The Walton Community Hub opens with a celebration for local residents

The Walton Community Hub has officially opened its doors, bringing new activities, services and opportunities to the local community.

Formerly the Walton Centre for the Community, the new Hub is being run by Voices of Hope in partnership with Walton Charity. It will provide a welcoming space for local people to meet, take part in activities and access support.

The Hub’s official opening on Tuesday 29 September brought local residents together for the Great Walton Get-Together, with high tea, live music, bingo and the chance to find out more about the Hub and its plans for the future.

Rob Mills, Chief Executive of Walton Charity, said:

“It was wonderful to see the community coming together to celebrate the opening of the Walton Community Hub. The Walton Centre has been an important part of local life for many years, and we’re delighted to be working with Voices of Hope to give it a new lease of life. The launch is just the beginning – we want the new Hub to be a place where people can meet, make connections and access support, while continuing to provide a home for groups and activities that benefit the local community.”

L-R: Walton Charity CEO Rob Mills, Mayor Judy Sarsby and Sarah Clay, Founder and CEO at Voices of Hope.

The Walton Community Hub will continue to run existing activities while introducing a new weekly schedule of community, creative and wellbeing activities. There will be space for local organisations to run their own activities and events, with plans for a community café.

The Hub will also provide a home for the East Surrey Women’s Hub, supporting women affected by domestic abuse and other forms of hardship, as well as Thamesview Preschool, which offers affordable childcare for local families.

Earlier this year, Walton Charity took ownership of the Walton and Cobham centres as part of Elmbridge Borough Council’s Connected Communities programme. Through the programme, Centres for the Community across Elmbridge are transferring to new community partners, helping to secure their long-term future and ensuring they can continue to support local residents for years to come.

For more information about the Walton Community Hub, volunteering opportunities or room hire, contact info@voh.org.uk or visit the Voices of Hope website.

Download the Hub’s weekly schedule of activities here.