Community at Hirst Welfare
Hirst Welfare Centre is a busy and accessible hub in the heart of Ashington, where people of all ages come together to feel supported and part of something local. Each week, we host a mix of regular sessions, free activities, and community events that bring people together and make a real difference in everyday life.
As well as our gym and football facilities, we’re proud of our place in the community and how Hirst Welfare continues to grow as a welcoming space for everyone.
We work closely with a range of valued partners and grassroots organisations to provide support, connection and opportunities – especially for those who need it most. Whether you're calling in for a coffee, attending a class, or joining a group, there's always something happening here.
What’s Happening at Hirst Welfare for your Community:
- Newcastle United Foundation run sessions throughout the week for all age groups – from primary-age children to older adults. Their work covers physical activity, mental health support, employability, and confidence building, helping us to reach across the full community.
- Active Future Northumberland deliver inclusive, energetic activities for children and young people, especially during school holidays. Their sessions focus on physical wellbeing, confidence and creating a fun and safe environment for children to grow.
- Holiday food provision plays a vital role during school breaks. Meals are prepared and served here at the Centre, helping to make sure children and families have access to nutritious food when it’s most needed.
- Wansbeck Valley Foodbank operates from the Centre, providing food parcels and essential items to individuals and families facing hardship. Their presence gives people access to urgent support in a familiar and trusted place.
- Northumberland Recovery Partnership and Northumberland Recovery College use our facilities to support recovery and wellbeing. This includes activity-based sessions like weekly men’s football and group support rooted in lived experience, confidence building and mental health improvement.
- Talking Marras is a community-led mental health peer support group. As well as offering safe and supportive weekly sessions, they’ve developed a community garden at the Centre – turning unused space into a calming, welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.
- Wellbeing Wednesday coffee mornings by Wansbeck Community Links are open to all – offering a friendly and informal place to meet people, have a chat, and feel connected. These sessions often help people take part in light physical activity and offer social contact or community activity.
- Roving IT Digital Workshops are held at the Centre on the last Wednesday of each month, delivered by BRIC. These free, friendly, informal sessions support people to develop digital skills, use devices confidently, and access essential online services in a safe and welcoming setting.
- Youth sessions run weekly, offering a consistent and positive space for young people to come together. These sessions provide fun, safety, support and a chance for young people to be heard in a respectful environment.
- The Community Library is available to all and free to use. Whether you’re looking for something new to read, revisiting an old favourite, or just want a quiet spot to relax, you’re welcome to browse, borrow or bring a book. There’s no formal sign-up – just take what you need and return it when you’re done.
As the Centre continues to grow, we are committed to developing our provision even further. We want to build on what’s already working, reach more people in meaningful ways, and respond to the changing needs of our community. Whether through new partnerships, expanded youth and family support, or more wellbeing and inclusion projects – our aim is always the same: to make Hirst Welfare a place where everyone feels valued, supported and part of something local.