Harlow Council is set to deliver a new “community hub service” that will support vulnerable residents gain confidence as they continue to recover from Covid.

The planned hub will provide a new service of face-to-face advice, direct support when in an emergency situation and outreach work in the community.  

A report will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on Thursday (9 September 2021) that recommends a contract is awarded for the delivery of a community hub pilot scheme for a period of six months. 

The £90,000 was awarded to the council by the Government’s ‘Contain Outbreak Management Funding’ mechanism via Essex County Council to deliver ongoing support to residents from now until 31 March 2022. 

Councillor Joel Charles, Deputy Leader of the Council, who will present the report at the Cabinet meeting, said: “This £90,000 in government funding allows the council to work with the community to pilot a new type of service that will aim to provide support to some of the most vulnerable in our town who have been impacted the most during the pandemic.  

“The new hub service will also play a key role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19 and is a vehicle to build more resilience within the community to confront the ongoing challenges Harlow may face in the months ahead.  

“By assisting vulnerable residents to self-isolate, access vaccinations and receive appropriate support in an emergency situation, the council aims to enable more progress towards all parts of our community regaining a greater sense of freedom and confidence as part of the work to rebuild post-COVID.” 

The service will be provided in partnership with the council and the preferred service provider(s) will be announced after the Cabinet’s decision.