AN organisation, which provides a space for vulnerable people to develop skills and meets the needs of others, is celebrating its first anniversary.

The team behind @the HUB community project, based in Corpus Christi Lane, held a celebration last Sunday where volunteers and those benefiting from the project were able to socialise.

Milly Boylan had been a support worker in Ross-on-Wye when the idea of having a dedicated space came to her when she couldn’t find a suitable to meet people to discuss their needs.

The new facility was formally opened last year by the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Pat Churchward, while her successor Helen Bowden joined in the first anniversary celebrations and said: “Whilst I am very new in the role, I have already learnt that @ The Hub is having a massive impact locally and is filling a real gap in the services provided.

“The team have been very brave in setting this facility up with very little, yet it has identified a gap not covered by other bodies.

“I can see that it is dogged determination combined with having an affinity with the people it helps become so successful.

“If I could be bold, I think Milly has found her place in society. Over the coming year I will support this project as much as I can.

“I have already persuaded another charitable organisation from a neighbouring town to meet with Milly and the team with a view of setting up a similar facility.

“I believe that community ventures like this have something to offer other like-minded organisations so that they can all learn off each other.”

Milly said: “It has been an exhausting year, and probably one of the busiest that we @ The Hub have ever had.

“Thank you to all those that have supported us financially and in whichever way they can, to those who share our social media posts keeping up our profile in the town

“The feedback we receive has given us a reason to continue operating this facility. It’s a team effort. There is not one person that can do all what we do.

“While I may be the driving force behind the project, it’s the others, the volunteers which makes it work.

“And together we’ve shown what a community is and what a community does.”

Libby Eden responded from the audience: “This town wouldn’t be as great as it is without you. Ross needs more Millys to make the town great.”

The number of people attending @ The Hub in a formal situation has already reached 179 clients and is increasing by around 12 referrals a month.

The number of informal visitors visiting the hub is in excess of 5,000 people over the past 12 months.

Whilst the operation itself relies on national and local grant funding, a further scheme to develop of boxing room is ongoing. Funding has enabled a room at the back of the facility to be stabilised and efforts are being made to acquire a dismountable boxing ring.

In May Ross Town Council honoured the team @The Hub with the inaugural Kyrle Civic Award.