A community space in Ledbury has been transformed into a welcoming, accessible hub for local groups, services and residents thanks to a £225,000 Community Spaces Improvement Grant.
Ledbury Food Bank took over the building in 2022 and has since carried out extensive refurbishment works, including new heating, improved insulation, upgraded facilities, full disabled access and more. The transformed venue now provides flexible space for community organisations, support services and local activities.
Mark Lister said the project was driven by a desire to create a shared community asset that could benefit people across Herefordshire.
“We have completely refurbished the place and it is now available for any community group to use, either by hiring the whole building or an individual room,” said Mark.
The space is already being used by a growing range of organisations and services, helping residents access support locally while creating opportunities for collaboration between community groups.
“The wider the offer we can create in one space, the resulting benefits are greater than the sum of their parts,” Mark added.
Among the organisations making use of the facility is the Herefordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group (HPCSG), which provides information, peer support and awareness raising for men and families affected by prostate cancer across the county.
The group works closely with local health services and community partners, helping people access support closer to home.
Peter McCann, Chair of HPCSG, said having access to a comfortable and private community venue is invaluable.
“One in ten men with prostate cancer will often need additional emotional support, so this is a great facility to use because of the privacy it offers,” he said.
The group continues to expand its reach across Herefordshire, supporting men and their families while raising awareness of prostate cancer in communities across the county.
“We’re building awareness and we’re providing support,” said Peter. “It’s very important for the families, very important for the children.”
Ledbury Food Bank’s community space continues to grow, with plans for an online booking system and new information displays to help visitors discover local services, support and opportunities in their area.
By bringing together community groups, charities and services under one roof, the space is helping people access the support they need while strengthening community connections across Ledbury and beyond.
