Since its launch in April 2025, Hwb Dinas Bangor has become an essential lifeline for people across the city.

Located next to the bus station at the former Caffi Hafan building and operated by Bangor City Council in partnership with a wide network of voluntary-sector and community organisations, the Hwb provides a welcoming and inclusive space where residents can seek help, support, and connection.

What Hwb Dinas Bangor Offers

Hwb Dinas Bangor brings together a comprehensive range of support services under one roof:

  • Food support and fuel/heating assistance – vital during ongoing cost-of-living and heating pressures.
  • Housing and tenancy advice, including help for those facing accommodation instability.
  • Debt, money, and benefit guidance, providing practical advice to those under financial strain.
  • Mental and physical health services, including mental-health support, suicide-bereavement counselling, and wellbeing workshops.
  • Domestic abuse support, substance-abuse advice, and general family support.
  • Digital inclusion and employment guidance – helping residents with computer and internet skills, job-search support, and more.
  • Resettlement services and outreach for those rebuilding their lives.

In addition to support services, Hwb Dinas Bangor offers meeting and event spaces, complete with large screens, Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, and green space for outdoor events, available free of charge to local community groups and organisations. This makes the Hwb not only a service centre but a hub for community connection and collaboration.

Achievements & Impact

Hwb Dinas Bangor’s impact continues to be significant. Since opening, the centre has welcomed over 9,000 visits from people seeking support, advice, or simply a friendly conversation.

Thanks to collaboration with 47 partner organisations, including health and social-welfare teams, outreach services, educational partners, and community groups, the Hwb ensures a broad and diverse range of expertise is available to the people of Bangor.

Ongoing initiatives include regular digital-skills drop-ins, outreach sessions with North Wales Police under the Cuppa with a Copper scheme, suicide-bereavement and mental-health support through specialist local providers, and joint work with schools such as Ysgol Friars to support young people’s wellbeing.

A resident recently shared:

“I come here mainly for my mental health and to meet new people, just to have a break from everything else. It’s a nice place to come to, easy to get to, and loads of people come here. We make new friends, and we can chat about our problems and things like that.”

As one of the driving leaders behind the initiative, Lisa Goodier, Bangor Deputy City Director, said:

“Hwb Dinas Bangor reflects what’s possible when a community comes together to care for one another. Every person who walks through the door is welcomed without judgment, and we’re proud to provide a space that delivers dignity, support, and hope to those who need it most.”

She added: “Many people need support that isn’t statutory – help with housing, family pressures, substance challenges, or general wellbeing. The Hwb is here to reach people early, before their mental or physical health becomes a crisis, and to help them live their best life.”

“Hwb Dinas Bangor is easy to drop into – relaxed, welcoming, with no appointments needed. People can chat, have a paned, or access support from over 45 expert partners. They only have to tell their story once, and we work with them so they build resilience and confidence for the future.”

“We lead with kindness and compassion, not judgement; that’s what changes lives.”

The centre continues to fulfil the aspirations of community leaders, volunteers, and residents who, back in early 2024, called for a central, accessible hub to meet the city’s varied and urgent needs.

Why Hwb Dinas Bangor is Unique

  • Holistic and integrated support, bringing food support, fuel help, mental-health services, digital inclusion, and housing and employment advice together in one accessible space.
  • Inclusive and non-judgemental, open to everyone and welcoming people from all walks of life.
  • Community-driven and collaborative, built on cooperation between local government, health providers, voluntary agencies, social-welfare organisations, and resident volunteers.
  • Accessible location and flexible spaces, centrally located next to Bangor bus station, with free parking and free use of community spaces.

2026 Looking Ahead: Growth, Partnerships & Expanded Access

Hwb Dinas Bangor continues to plan the next stages of its development.

Future goals include strengthening collaborations with Ysbyty Gwynedd and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to widen access to physical and mental-health support; deepening partnerships with local schools, including expanding talks and mental-health awareness sessions at Ysgol Friars; continuing to support projects such as Actif Bangor, Hwb Westend (children and young people up to age 18), and other local youth and community groups; extending opening hours, including potential evening and weekend access subject to securing additional funding; and encouraging donations, grant funding, and volunteering to help the Hwb grow and strengthen its reach.

Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, highlighted the importance of the Hwb for Bangor’s future:

“Hwb Dinas Bangor is unique within our city and has already proven itself indispensable. Its success shows the power of partnership – between the Council, our health and social-care partners, our voluntary organisations, and the people of Bangor themselves. With the right support and funding, we can expand access even further, ensuring the Hwb is here for everyone, whenever they need us.”

He also reflected on its impact:

“It’s really inspiring and exciting to come here and see the real-world difference that’s being made by the team to the ordinary people of Bangor.”

Opening Hours and Access

Hwb Dinas Bangor stands as a testament to what is possible when a community pulls together to ensure no one is left behind. Whether you need help, know someone who does, or want to play your part as a volunteer, partner, or supporter, the door is open for everyone.

Hwb Dinas Bangor welcomes residents on a drop-in basis during the following times: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.

No appointment is required – simply drop by for a friendly chat, advice, referral, or a cup of tea.

Residents can also get in touch via hwb.hub@bangorcitycouncil.com or by calling 01248 352421.

Photo:

  • Lisa Goodier, Deputy City Director, Bangor City Council
  • Jack Watchorn, volunteer at Hwb Dinas Bangor
  • John Redican, volunteer at Hwb Dinas Bangor