Growing space at The Branch in Huddersfield

The Branch at the Jubilee Centre in Huddersfield is a vibrant space that has grown out of a parent and toddler group to serve so many people in its community.

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The Jubilee Centre itself is a warehouse bought by the Huddersfield Community Church some 30 years ago.

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Alison Lloyd, who has four children herself, developed a parent and toddler group there in 1997 when her children were younger. As Melody Makers, it attracted lots of people – so many that there is now a dad’s group, a twins group, babies group and other special events, such as parties and pantomimes.

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Some of the people who volunteered had mental and other difficulties, so Alison started groups for them, and mentored them in their volunteering. “There are so many people in need,” says Alison.

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Every Christmas, The Branch puts on a Christmas lunch for around 150 people who would otherwise be on their own. “So we are really in touch with people who are hard to reach or isolated,” says Alison.

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The Branch has set up a food share session using surplus food that would otherwise go to landfill, alongside a community Pantry which is always open outside the building.

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Monday is a designated Warm Welcome Space, with a coffee morning and chair exercises. People visit for coffee and often end up joining in the exercises or finding support in the computer corner with forms, research and general digital access. Straight after the coffee session there’s a lunch club so people, particularly men living on their own, get a hot meal and socialise.

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The Branch regularly signposts to other services and guests have experienced or been victim to some really serious challenges including suicide and domestic violence. “We’re not professionals but we do a lot of signposting and setting up links with other services,” says Alison.

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Referrals to The Branch come from schools, social services and the council. In the last six months, Alison has noticed an increase in single parent families coming to the space.

The support Alison and her team can give depends on which grants have been successful. They’ve provided white goods, furniture, clothes, phones, baby equipment and energy top ups at various times for members.

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All in all, it’s a busy space, run with love and care by Alison and her team of staff and volunteers.

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