For a variety of reasons, January can prove to be a challenging month for many, both financially and emotionally.
With that in mind, the BID has been really pleased to work with community partners and Britannia Shopping centre to host our Support Sofa. It is here we have been able to provide town centre shoppers and local residents with access to key professionals who could offer their expert knowledge and guidance on a range of topics.
We have welcomed representatives of Falcon Support Services who provided homelessness advice, Racheal from Vita Health Group for mental health support, talking therapy and coping strategies as well as the Go-Learn team, promoting this year’s courses which are available at Hinckley Library and other local venues.
The police also popped along whilst on patrol in town, and HBBC's Active Team were on the sofa to talk health and fitness, and provide details of a year of activities that local people can get involved in. Feedback from the public has been very positive, with many expressing their appreciation, not just in relation to the quality and variety of information available, but also, the convenience of how this was delivered.
With the commitment of so many local partners, the Support Sofa was able to offer free, confidential support and guidance on issues ranging from health and well-being and financial guidance to family support, social support, household support and training courses. Our partners from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, local charities and the County Council were available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm from 13th January through to 1st February.
Also, the Support Sofa saw the launch of the new Hinckley BID digital Loyalty Card for new applicants, which provides access to over fifty offers from town centre businesses. The card is FREE, and all holders will be entered in our monthly prize draw automatically. The winner receives a £30 gift voucher for a BID town centre business of their choice. All you have to do is visit the sofa and scan the QR code to complete a 2-minute application.
Huge thanks must go to Britannia Shopping Centre for use of their space, enabling us to host this event all month and, of course, to all those teams of professionals who generously offered their valuable support and guidance throughout.