Community hubs around the UK are increasingly combining debt advice, health services, low-cost food and social activities under one roof, offering financial and practical relief to households struggling with the rising cost of living, according to a report by the Guardian.
What community hubs offer
The East Twickenham Neighbourhood Association (ETNA) community centre in London is one example of a hub bringing together a wide range of services. The centre is open 365 days a year and, according to the Guardian, welcomes more than 1,400 people through its doors each week.
Services at ETNA include a "pay as you feel" cafe run by the Real Junk Food Project, using food that would otherwise have gone to waste. Meals are offered with no minimum payment or set charge, with donations accepted from those who can afford them. Financial support is available through a scheme called Manage Your Money, run in partnership with Citizens Advice, which helps residents reduce household bills and manage cost-of-living pressures. Counselling drop-ins, self-help groups, digital support, childcare, legal services and fitness classes such as yoga are also on offer.
One visitor to the cafe told the Guardian that the food helps her "stretch my pension". Another described how a financial adviser at the centre had identified a benefit she had not known she was entitled to claim, which was subsequently backdated.
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Demand is rising
Vanessa James, director of ETNA, told the Guardian: "With the rising cost of living, spaces like ETNA can make a real difference." She added that people are increasingly drawn to venues combining multiple services because they value accessing support "in one place they already know and trust".
James also noted the importance of the setting itself: "There is something very important about having services delivered in a relaxed community setting rather than in isolation. It feels more natural, less clinical and more welcoming."
A national picture
ETNA is not an isolated case. The Guardian reports that community hubs combining debt advice, health services, cafes, social activities and practical support exist across the UK. A 2025 report by the thinktank New Local identified a wider network of approximately 21,000 community centres and halls across the country.
More than 50 miles south of Twickenham, the Hangleton and Knoll Project in Brighton operates partly from St Richard's community centre. Currently 67 groups run from the site, which the Guardian describes as a busy multiservice hub. Visitors can seek help with energy bills, access health advice or drop in for lunch.
Ann Tizzard, the manager of St Richard's, told the Guardian that the original vision "was always to bring everyone together and have multiple services under one roof." She said footfall has increased since the Covid lockdowns, with more people arriving during the day due to cost-of-living worries. "Most of our activities are free or low cost," she said, adding that all are welcome regardless of age or financial situation.
Beyond financial support
While financial pressures appear to be driving much of the increased demand, ETNA's director noted that people are also seeking companionship and a sense of belonging. The Guardian's report describes visitors lingering after lunch to chat, discuss financial concerns or, in the case of two 94-year-old regulars, compete at table tennis.
Free, impartial debt advice is available from StepChange, MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice.