Engage hub launches in Exeter

A new initiative to help ex-offenders leaving prisons re-integrate into the community will launch tomorrow.

Named the Engage Hub, the initiative will offer an open and relaxed atmosphere where ex-offenders and those with extra needs can access various services by drop-in appointments, in a single place.

The plans initiated by Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust will see 8 Hubs set up in both Devon and Cornwall offering the service

Trevor Gardner, project lead, said: “We hope that the Engage Hub will help people leaving prison find an easier path back into the community. 

“It’s deliberately a more relaxed approach, as we believe this is more helpful in getting individuals to participate.  At other Hubs, we’ve seen people take up opportunities they’ve just come across while attending a Hub session, that they may never have encountered otherwise.”

The Exeter Engage Hub will be run from St Petrock’s centre in Cathedral Yard on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, starting on December 3rd.  

More than 15 agencies have signed up to participate in the Hub to provide a wide range of services and opportunities under one roof.

These will include help with: housing, tenancy sustainment, debt & finance drug and alcohol, relationships, health  & mental health, fitness and wellbeing, training & employment and gardening.  While primarily aimed at those working with Probation, the Hub will also be open to clients of St Petrock’s, as an additional drop-in session for advice and for others experiencing complex needs.

Project manager at St Petrock’s, Mel Hartley says,  “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to use our centre as the Exeter Hub.  St Petrock’s already acts as a hub for people who are homeless so it seems very appropriate to develop that model for other groups.” 

“We’re also grateful to Exeter City Council for helping us with the purchase of additional laptops and furniture for the Exeter Engage Hub.”