Volunteer-led Warm Welcome Space for local residents in Bath

The Hive in Bath, Somerset is a vital and highly valued resource in their community, bringing people together into a safe and welcoming space for local residents to access a wide range of activities and services. The Hive has a cafe which trains young adults with learning difficulties in catering skills, a sports hall, a sports court, one large and three small meeting rooms, an Art Room and a preschool children's play area. There is a low-cost food club for people who are struggling to feed their families and a community fridge which is open to the whole community to take food that would otherwise go to landfill. 

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Our facilities are used by wellbeing groups, parents and carers of young children, sports, dance and exercise groups, therapy counsellors and local support services including Citizens Advice and Clean Slate to help people to access fuel grants and receive benefits. There is Family Support Group working with families suffering domestic violence and the local Library runs from The Hive. 

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The youth club opens three afternoons a week and offers sports, games, table tennis, pool and arts and crafts. Healthy snacks are available for those who are hungry after school and trips are arranged in the school holidays.

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The Hive has about 40 volunteers providing the opportunity for local people to contribute significantly in a wide range of roles; Including helping in reception, Community Fridge, Food Pantry, Family Support, gardens and youth work. All volunteers are highly valued. 

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One volunteer joined us just after her husband had died. She started in reception, but soon became involved in the Food Pantry and the Community Fridge, managing the rotas and eventually being employed for two hours per week. Because of her own experiences she helped a volunteer bereavement counsellor to start two bereavement groups, which our local surgery refers people to. Last Christmas she organised a Christmas Grotto for local children and this year she is already planning and fundraising to put on a Christmas Meal for those who would be on their own on Christmas Day. The opportunity at the Hive has helped her through a time of bereavement but also supported her to reach out to others in need.

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The Hive was a runner up in the Community Connector category of the Warm Welcome Awards in 2026.

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