About the Hub

What we do..

We run and host a number of projects and groups which include a Community Fridge, Community Allotment, Public Living Room, Knit (or Sew) and Natter Group, Business Support and we also host a pop-up banking service provided by both Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank at our offices in Commercial Courtyard. 

Our Community Fridge is a great way of reducing fruit and veg waste from local supermarkets but also allows local gardeners, residents and businesses to pass on surplus food they will not use. During covid we often acquired food from local pubs and restaurants due to unexpected lockdowns or large group cancellations. We also, sadly, received food donations as a result of local business closures. Many people just bring a tin of soup, some apples from their tree, a jar of jam or leftover food from when they stocked up for visitors.. but if they can't bring anything that is OK. In a small community like ours there is a lot more need than many people think. This 'Bring What You Can, Take What You Need' ethos means it is much easier for people to engage with us without the stigma of a visiting a food bank. 

Our Public Living Room is open to anyone who wants to come along at Settle Quakers on Mondays and Thursdays every week from 10.30am to 1.30pm. We offer hot drinks and meals, our visitors can play card games or Connect 4, there is always a jigsaw to do, craft activities or help with cooking, but no pressure to do anything if people just want a chat and some company. There are now many Public Living Rooms around the country and all are warm welcoming places with people who listen, who treat everyone the same, who don't judge or try to fix each other. Connect 4 has been a surprise hit. Everyone now knows how to play and loves it! Hub staff are on hand to have a chat with people who may need a bit more support in general or who may need specific help understanding bills, advice about energy saving, help with filling in forms or directing them to other organisations or support if necessary.

Community impact

A lot of what we do is about reducing isolation and offering opportunities to connect, learn and contribute in some way. Most of the people coming to our activities live alone, many are on a low income or benefits, several have long term physical and/or mental health issues . We have ended up with a lot of older visitors, especially since covid, including several who had lost loved ones and were finding it hard to access relevant support. 

We were the only local group who met in person throughout covid and so offered a safe supportive place for people who were struggling with the isolation and other problems. Over time it has been wonderful to see many new friendships form and see our visitors getting out and about again and enjoying life. Supporting people to try baking or help improve their basic cookery skills is a big part of what we do at our Public Living Room. 

As we get so much free fruit and veg we often get visitors to prepare simple foods like Greek salad or a fruit crumble. We are very grateful to the Quakers, local residents, businesses and others who support what we do by offering free or very low cost talks and activities. Simple things like art sessions, making soap or fused glass are hugely popular and give people a chance to try their hand at something new. We have several folk coming in to do one-off or regular activities at our Public Living Rooms.