Home sought for Chichester drop-in community and climate hub

Sarah Sharp and Debbie Carter, of the Green Party, feel the city 'desperately needs' a 'welcoming, safe and inspiring' space to help people come together and feel connected each week, especially following a year of isolation and financial difficulty for many.

The pair, who are representing a large group of volunteers involved in community, environmental and wellbeing work, are hoping to secure an empty shop or other central venue.

They said their 'exciting plans' would bring a 'host of vibrant projects under one roof'.

City and district councillor Sharp said: “Setting up a permanent drop-in base in Chichester will be key to helping people save money, make the most of our shared resources and have fun, reconnect and make new friends in 2021.

“As we emerge from COVID, people will need more places to go and share experiences.

"A friendly community hub ticks so many boxes for mental health and wellbeing as well as being a simple way for rebuilding lives and supporting climate.”

The hub would reflect a ‘circular economy’ with repairing, recycling, reusing, swapping and re-skilling promoted.

Ideas include; a repair café, with people encouraged to learn repairing skills; a free exchange of items; including clothing, homewares, books and toys; a library for tools and other

more expensive items and free, good quality, second-hand school uniforms.

The space could also be used for talks, wellbeing therapies, and a place to find out about how to get involved in community and eco projects such as tree and wildflower planting, beach cleans, green energy and waste reduction.

It is also hoped the hub would feature a café, where residents concerned about the environment could share ideas, chat over concerns and join actions.

“It has been our dream for some time to have a community hub where our activities can come together and be made available to a wider range of people,” said Transition Chichester trustee Julia Sander.

"This is more important than ever as we deal with the effects of COVID and climate change.”

Similar projects have been running 'very successfully' separately in Chichester under the umbrella of established groups including Transition Chichester and Eco Chi.

The hub would also build on the success too of a popular market stall in North Street manned weekly by those two groups in the spring and summer of 2019.

Councillor Carter has asked Chichester District Council to consider supporting a community hub.

She said: "As a citizen of Chichester and as a city councillor I have been involved in many of the fantastic community activities held by Transition Chichester and Eco Chi.

"What I feel would really benefit our city is this central community point with so much exciting potential for friendships, connections, inspiration and education.

“We would love to hear from a sympathetic landlord with a shop or other venue to offer.”

The premises would have to be sizeable and have storage, and be affordable - or free - as the hub would be not-for-profit.

If you can help, or to discuss further, contact councillor Sharp on 07789 843556, or councillor Carter on 07939915687.