What is a Multi Use Centre?
A Multi Use Centre is a centrally located community led facility where local residents can access a range of advice and guidance on services normally only found in larger towns and cities.
How do they work?
The Centres, which are open on a regular basis and staffed by local people, (often on a voluntary basis), work with the local community to address the under provision of services in their area.
They operate under a 'Hub & Spoke' system whereby a local network of working relationships is established through which information and signposting of key services can be shared.
Each Centre, which acts as the 'Hub', undertakes to supply regular information to other communities ('spokes') in order that a wider audience is aware of what services are on offer in their area. Similarly, the 'Hub' will receive details of other local activities and undertakes to advertise these.
Service providers are more likely to be willing to attend a local convenient location if that service is advertised well and has the potential of a wider audience. Similarly, the availability of increased services addresses feelings of isolation and exclusion felt by many in smaller towns and parishes.
All members of the community can use the Centres as a source of free information and support on a variety of topics.
Each Centre must be fully accessible and must meet the following criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the Lincolnshire Multi Use Centres' network :
Criteria for a Multi Use Hub
- Community Led
- Not a Statutory Obligation
- A central location and not within 5 miles of an existing hub
- A population of 2,500 within 1 mile of centre
- Staff (either paid or voluntary) with local knowledge
- Access to IT/training
- A private interview room(s)
- Provision of a range of advice and guidance
- Regular opening hours
- A responsibility to promote a network of communities (usually within a 5 mile radius)
- Direct contact with service providers
- Availability of community/workshop space
Criteria for a Multi Use Spoke
- Community Led
- Not a Statutory Obligation
- A community venue accessible to the general public
- Agreement to liaise with and promote "network's" activities
- A commitment to participate in network meetings with other local communities
- Population of less than 2,500 within a one mile radius
- Static Information Point
