Bangor’s new community hub, Hwb Dinas Bangor, has already become a lively, welcoming centre at the heart of the city. Since its launch in April and formal opening on 18 July, more than 1,700 residents have stepped through its doors in search of advice, support, or simply a friendly conversation.
The Hwb’s location at Tan-y-Fynwent, adjacent to the city bus station, makes it easily accessible and convenient to reach. Once inside, visitors find an open and friendly space where no appointment is required. Support is offered on a drop-in basis, covering everything from housing and mental health to digital skills, employment advice, and wellbeing.
In total, 47 partner organisations are now engaged, ensuring there is always something new to discover and a wealth of expertise on hand. Epilepsy Wales will be joining in September, and the Prison and Probation outreach service began several weeks ago. Weekly outreach has also started at the Bangor African Society, ensuring the Hwb takes its services to residents who don’t always visit the city centre.
As part of North Wales Police’s Clear, Hold, Build strategy, PC Dewi and PCSO Mark were at the Hwb Dinas Bangor recently for the ‘Cuppa with a Copper’ session. Visitors joined them for tea or coffee and had the chance to discuss any issues or concerns, with the team being on hand to help.
One of the most popular fixtures in the August timetable has been the Digital sessions every Wednesday morning. These informal drop-ins give people the chance to get hands-on help with their phones, tablets, or computers, whether that’s learning how to set up email, navigating online services, or just building confidence with technology. The atmosphere is friendly and patient, making it as much a social encounter as a learning opportunity.
The centre’s success is built on collaboration. Services such as iCan mental health support, Enfys Alice Suicide Bereavement Support, homeless and housing advice support, and wellbeing workshops are delivered by local agencies under one roof, allowing residents to address multiple needs in a single visit.
The Hwb also opens its facilities to local groups, offering free meeting rooms, presentation screens, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and even an outdoor green space. Organisations are encouraged to bring pop-up banners and leaflets, turning the building into a hub of shared knowledge and partnership.
Volunteers are at the heart of this work, welcoming visitors, helping with events, and offering support. Bangor City Council is keen to welcome more residents to the team, stressing that no specialist experience is needed, just the willingness to listen and be part of something that is making a difference.
As summer turns to autumn, the Hwb team is already planning an expanded programme of events, with more activity days, themed awareness weeks, and seasonal celebrations. If the first month is anything to go by, Hwb Dinas Bangor is on its way to becoming an essential fixture in the life of the city, a place where support, skills, and community spirit meet under one roof.
Lisa Goodier, Head of Partnerships and Transformation at Bangor City Council, stated, “Our primary goal is to support our residents in living their best lives, regardless of their current circumstances, while also helping them to become or remain independent in the future.
“We provide Hwb services with kindness and compassion, without judgment, welcoming residents from all walks of life, no matter what their journey looks like.”
The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm. For information or to get involved, call 01248 352421 or email hwb.hub@bangorcitycouncil.com
Picture shows Lisa Goodier, Cllr Elin Walker-Jones, Cllr Delyth Russell Deputy Mayor and Dr Martin Hanks, City Director all from Bangor City Council.
For further information please contact Lyn Parry at Bangor City Council on 01248564168.
