Library hubs to offer housing, money and health help
BBCFour new community hubs are to offer in-person support for housing, personal finances and health as part of a council trial.
The hubs will open across Swindon, Wiltshire, mainly at libraries, with the aim of helping people before they reach crisis point.
About half of the town's residents live within a 20-minute walk of one of the four sites, all of which are connected by public transport.
Councillor Jim Grant, from Swindon Borough Council, said: "If we can work with our residents and spot early on where we might have a problem, therefore we can hopefully deal with them, resolve the issues, and then they won't come to a crisis point."
One hub will open in the Park Library and Reuben George Centre in February, with the others opening at The Meadows in Penhill, Central Library and West Swindon Library later in the year.
Housing officers, Citizens Advice workers, employment specialists and midwives will be stationed across the hubs.
There are plans to expand into other areas of Swindon if this year's trial is a success.
"Residents will be able to come in, ask problems, seek guidance and get support there and then in the hub," Grant said.
"What we are trying to do here is try and solve people's problems in one hit... at one particular venue."
The community hubs will also offer employment and training support, youth and community services and access to voluntary organisations.
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