AFTER eight years on Derwent Road in Hexham’s East End, the Hexham Community Project has a new home.

The service, run by Hexham Community Partnership and also known as No.28 due to the house it occupied, relocated to The Gatehouse Adult Learning Centre within the grounds of Hexham Middle School on November 22.

Community project officer, Claire Heaviside, said the move reflected the fact that the project was now trying to widen it’s reach throughout the town.

“It started off as the Hexham East Regeneration Project all those years ago, but the service has very much evolved to offer help and support to residents across the town,” said Claire, who joined members of the community partnership at a celebration event at The Gatehouse on Thursday, 1 December.

“We’ve only moved something like two streets away but hoping it will help get the message out that we’re here for everyone.”

The project works with a range of organisations, including Hexham Youth Initiative, West Northumberland Food Bank, Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service and Hexham Children’s Centre.

Regular sessions on computing, managing money, a work club and women’s group are also offered with support from volunteers.

Social landlord Isos, which owns 28 Derwent Road, is expected to announce its plans for the property in the new year.

Community investment manager, Richard Mitchell, said: “We are keen to keep No. 28 as a community use building and are in the process of establishing how we can make the best use of this facility – not just for the benefit of our Hexham tenants, but for local residents as well.”