A newly launched centre helping people in St Neots to find better jobs, access qualifications and training, and start and grow small businesses, has "hit the ground running".

St Neots Initiative, a voluntary group, worked with the Combined Authority to set up the new Citizen Hub at 58 Market Square in the town, to give a range of advice and jobs and training support for residents to improve their skills in life and work.

Since opening its doors on July 31, the Hub has had more than 100 visitors already and plenty of positive feedback from the town’s residents.

The Combined Authority brokered a unique partnership with Evolve Your Future, which is also a commissioned training provider for the Combined Authority’s devolved adult education budget, to partner with St Neots Initiative to make real their vision for the Citizen Hub.  

Evolve courses include self-employment skills, English as a second language, functional skills and health and safety.

As well as information, advice and guidance to help people with training courses, job search, careers counselling, volunteering and start-up support for entrepreneurs, the Citizen Hub also provides meeting space for local people and groups, and a community café.

The hub is open 10am-2pm on weekdays in August as the team continues to build and refine the Hub’s offerings. Full opening hours will start in September.

Combined Authority mayor, Dr Nik Johnson, said: “This is such a great example of community partnerships in action – all credit to the St Neots Initiative for seeing the gap, wanting to do something about it, and being so willing to work with the Combined Authority and Evolve to make the Citizen Hub happen.”

Alex Hughes, chair of the St Neots Initiative, said: “We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response and engagement from the St Neots community. The early success of the Citizen Hub reinforces our commitment to empowering every member of our community and creating a vibrant and prosperous St Neots.”