Our vision for the Hub is to establish a social enterprise in our community which will provide employment opportunities, address rural - social isolation and create a tourist attraction.
1. Open a Tearooms and shop which will create employment opportunities locally and also create a tourist attraction.
2. Promote a sense of social connectedness within our Community.
3. Endeavour to ensure people in our community (and surrounding areas) do not feel socially isolated by providing a meeting place and ancillary services open to all.
4. Improve the mental health and well being of people living in our community & the surrounding area.
5. Reduce and/or counteract any negative affect rural isolation may have had on the mental health and well being of people living in our community & the surrounding area.
Our Socio – Economic plan identified there is “A lack of amenities, events and activities for all the family to encourage people to stay in the locality” Our Socio – Economic plan also identified the following weaknesses of and potential threats faced by our community:
Lack of enterprise and business in the area
Lack of employment in the area
Difficult getting people together
Families opting out of community life and going elsewhere
The fact the community area is quiet spread out
The Local Hub Committee believes the Hub will address the identified needs of and threats to our community by
Creating a new space for people to meet with each other, to interact with their neighbours, to have a friendly chat, to hear some news while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.
Offering a number of additional ancillary services aimed at promoting positive mental health and well being.
Services to be provided in the Hub include....
1. Community Cafe - "Grub at the Hub" will provide a basic menu: tea, coffee, scones, soup, sandwiches & toasted sandwiches during the day & evening
2. Grocery Shop: A small numbers of essential items will be stocked i.e. bread, butter, milk and sugar. Closure of our nearest shop in Garryspilane had a big impact on the locals.
3. Men’s Shed: A Men’s Shed is a friendly and welcoming meeting place where men come together and undertake a variety of mutually agreed activities. 2015: 451 people died by su***de in Ireland - 375 men, 76 women. In our locality 4 men have died by su***de in recent years
4. Mindfulness & Meditation Garden: A garden will be created at the rear of the Hub. This garden will be designed to promote visitors to engage in mindfulness and meditation while enjoying the garden. This will promote and support positive mental health & well being for those visiting the garden.
5. Community get-togethers in the Garden: The garden will hold community / fundraising events in the summer time i.e. bbq, set dancing, live music performances etc.
6. Tourist Accommodation: above the Men's Shed tourist accommodation will be available to rent."Not enough holiday accommodation in the area" was a threat highlighted in our Socio Economic Plan. The creation of holiday accommodation will enable people to holiday in Glenbrohane.
7. One Bed Apartment: The upstairs of the Hub will become a one bedroom apartment which will be available to rent on a long or short term basis.
8. Meeting Room
9. An office: for one to two people will be available to rent on a long term or short term (hot desk) basis. It is hoped that the availability of the office space as well as the meeting room in the Hub will encourage a small business to start up in or move to Glenbrohane.
10. Canteen for CE Scheme Participants
11. Games Room
12. Computer Room / Computer Classes
13. Citizens Information Stand & Tourist Information Stand
14. Volunteering Opportunities
