A community charity is celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of its new centre on Northallerton High Street.

Hambleton Community Action (HCA) opened UpFront as a social space in June 2023.

It has an easily accessible communal sitting area for people to pop in and chat, free access to IT facilities, the internet, and hot drinks.

Daily activities include craft and knitting sessions, a chess club, social groups, and a range of adult learning sessions, plus a community jigsaw and book swap facility.

(Image: HCA)

Local groups are also able to reserve some of the space for meetings and activities. The venue also hosts Pantry & Produce, a social supermarket which opened in December 2023 and offers shopping at a subsidised cost.

Upfront works in partnership with other local charities, voluntary groups, and organisations that complement HCA's services.

HCA’s chief officer Liz Lockey said: “Upfront has grown over the year and is extremely popular. Many people are using it daily in many different ways and for different reasons.

(Image: HCA)

"Hambleton Community Action has been doing charitable work in the local community for 45 years, but many residents may still not be aware of what it is and does. With its prominent High Street position, it’s now possible to make people more aware of the many services it provides."

UpFront is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, staffed by a member of the Hambleton Community Action team, assisted by volunteers. Information about all the services on offer by the charity and opportunities to volunteer can be found at Upfront at 159/160 High Street or by calling 01609 780458.