A new learning and wellbeing hub has been launched in Newquay to serve the community.
Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting in Bank Street has been transformed into a Learning & Wellbeing Hub to provide free access to essential technology and training for the unemployed and local residents.
Key features of the hub include free open access sessions. Residents can use the state-of-the-art digital skills lab equipped with 20 desktop computers to access online utilities, banking, Universal Credit and job applications.
The initiative aims to address digital exclusion while supporting financial savings, independence, and personal connections.
The vibrant hub will also offer light-touch digital skills training. Dedicated staff will be available to guide participants in basic digital literacy, help them stay connected with family and friends, complete online shopping, and reduce isolation and loneliness.
Unemployed participants will have access to resources that support their journey back into the workforce, enhancing opportunities for skill development and job searches.
The facility will contribute to a lower carbon footprint while fostering inclusivity and convenience by reducing the need for travel to complete online tasks.
The hub is expected to benefit up to 230 local residents over the next six months, providing opportunities for skill-building, connection, and community support.
Project manager Liam Jones said: “This project is a game-changer for Newquay.
“The Learning & Wellbeing Hub is more than a space. It’s a lifeline for those facing digital exclusion, unemployment, or isolation.
“We are proud to deliver a resource that uplifts the community, fosters independence, and contributes to a more sustainable future.”
The Learning & Wellbeing Hub has been created as part of the transformative Community Levelling Up, which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a lead authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Councillor Louis Gardner, following his recent visit to the site, said: “The opening of the new Community Digital and Wellbeing Hub in Newquay is a fantastic development for the area.
“This initiative promises to create a welcoming space where individuals can connect, learn, and access vital services. By providing digital resources and support, the hub addresses key challenges faced by our community, including social isolation and access to technology.
“It’s a space that encourages inclusion, collaboration, and growth, offering opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to thrive. This hub is a shining example of community driven progress, and its impact will undoubtedly be transformative for Newquay residents, and I thank Whitehead Ross for leading on this.”
A spokesperson for Whitehead Ross said: “We invite the local community to take advantage of this exciting new space and join us in creating a brighter, more connected Newquay.”
The hub will be open to the public on Tuesday between 9.30am and 12.30pm, on Thursday between 1.30pm and 4.30pm and on Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.