A fond farewell

Robert Colebourne

Eight years ago we opened our little Community Hub in the middle of The Shires Shopping Centre, just past the museum.  It was a small unit with a large round table, some chairs, a sofa, a kettle, and some noticeboards. Technically. But really? It was made up of people. And laughs! 

Amongst a small army of Volunteers, Robert Colebourne would open up every morning and take the time to greet local residents and offer to help them with their daily lives.  Trained in bereavement support, Robert could often be found offering consolation and guidance to some of the most vulnerable people in the Community. 

We grew into a public living room, a place to help people start to work towards solutions on their own terms. After moving to a larger unit, our Hub has become a place to be – however you are, whatever state you’re in, you can just be.  

We were set up by residents including Robert, who wanted their town and its residents to thrive. That wish has kept us running and allowed us to expand – going from the equivalent of three to seven full time staff members, opening new programmes, and hoping to open more! We continue to work hard to raise our essential funding, while responding to our residents’ needs as they come.  

None of this would have been possible without Robert, who after Volunteering for eight years, has decided to move on to a new venture. 

We offer him heartfelt thanks and wish him all the best for the future.