Norwich Unity Hub and Redo launch St Augustines Gate pop-up

Norwich Unity Hub (NUH) has partnered with sustainability group Redo to create a pop-up hub in St Augustine's Gate, to sell donations and create a space for community events.

The NUH was formed last July when 22 charities and social enterprises united as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

Maria Thornberg, director and founder of Redo, and trustee of NUH, said: “We believe that by investing in this project, we can make a real difference in our community.”

They need tables and chairs to hold events and intend to open the pop-up “as soon as they have some donations”.

Many local charities have been left homeless due to rent being too costly.

The Redo and Norwich Unity Hub pop-up shop in St Augustines Gate, which was previously a Barnardo's furniture charity shop (Image: Hallie Taylor/Newsquest)

Ian Blunnie, a trustee at NUH and Men’s Shed, said: “Unfortunately, councils are not in the position to keep these things going so the voluntary sector has to pick up the slack.

“I think a lot of it was driven around the Anglia Square development as a lot of people were going to be made homeless out of that."

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Among them was the Men's Shed, which organises community workshops for men to socialise and learn new skills, addressing wellbeing, social isolation and loneliness.

Maria Thornberg, from Redo, and Ian Blunnie, from Norwich Men's Shed, at the Norwich Unity Hub pop-up in St Augustines Gate (Image: Hallie Taylor/Newsquest)

"The uniqueness and importance of the new hub will stand out," Ian said. "Where else are you going to go, where else does that exist? It doesn’t."

The pop-up community hub will host events, exhibitions, workshops and sales, focusing on sustainability and community engagement.

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Ian added: “The St Augustines Gate project is just the start. We are excited to partner with Redo Norfolk to bring this vision to life.

The Redo and Norwich Unity Hub pop-up shop in St Augustines Gate (Image: Hallie Taylor/Newsquest)

"Together, we can create a space where everyone is valued and where nothing goes to waste."

For more information and donation details, see the NUH Facebook page.