Surrey Choices opens new Community Hub in Redhill

This week, Surrey Choices opened the doors of its new purpose built Longmead hub, situated in the heart of Redhill.

Surrey Choices colleagues were joined by The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Jill Bray, who had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon, hearing about the work of Surrey Choices, taking a tour of the new community hub and speaking with some of the people supported by Surrey Choices.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Jill Bray commented, “It is wonderful to hear how Surrey Choices and the people it supports are already connecting with local residents via the Cromwell Community Group and working together to improve the local area. I’m confident that this initiative will benefit everyone involved.”

 

The opening ceremony was a pivotal moment for Surrey Choices. It was made even more special by having a local group of people from community organisations, such as Cromwell Community Group and Raven Housing Trust, visit the community hub and see first-hand how life changing this space will be.

With the new ways of working and connecting online, Surrey Choices were also joined by many of the people we support, families, Carers, community groups and local Councillors virtually. Online attendees watched contributions from people supported by Surrey Choices, colleagues, and members of the community about how Longmead is extending opportunities for greater independence and partnership working across Redhill. The highlight of the day was a virtual tour of Longmead.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, who attended the virtual opening ceremony, said afterwards: “The official opening of the Longmead hub marks another step forward in how people with disabilities and other needs can be supported to lead more independent and active lives in their communities.”

“Our partnership with Surrey Choices, and working with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, has led to this purpose-built hub which will showcase how people can be given more opportunities to develop their skills and exercise choice and control over their daily lives.”

Surrey Choices expects to begin operations at Longmead very soon. The team is looking forward to welcoming the people we support and visitors from the community. Jill Bray, the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, has already promised to bring chocolate brownies on her next visit.