So many of us struggle to find places to chill, hangout and have fun. It’s even harder when it costs so much damn money for everything. 

So so many of us love creativity but not everyone has the space or resources to do it.

Tell us what we can do to make a space for you, your family and friends to feel welcome and at home in Norwich.

Together we can bring this community together in the safest way. And put Norwich on the map forever.

Let us be that difference 

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Summary:

Support the NCSUN Community Hub & Innovation Centre (CHIC)

STOP THE COLLAPSE: Sign to support Norwich's NEW Trauma-Informed Community Hub

We, the people of Norwich, are demanding a structural solution to the city's collapsing support services.

NCSUN (Norwich Community Support Umbrella Network) has proven its model works, growing out of the Easton Community Cupboard (ECC). Since May 2024, we've seen a staggering 8,000% surge in demand for local support, becoming the de-facto emergency infrastructure for over 1,400 residents. 
 
Why We Need the CHIC (Community Hub & Innovation Centre):
The Crisis is Universal: Systemic gaps are affecting all demographics, including working families and the neurodiverse. With 35.3% of Norwich children living in poverty and the future of the Norwich Walk-in Centre uncertain, anxiety is high.  

Local services are making cutbacks and streamlining their services. 

The Solution is Proven: NCSUN has developed an "operational software" model, running 13 proven grassroots projects (e.g., youth isolation, neurodiverse leadership, transitional support). We used Conversational Data from over 2,500 direct interactions to co-design the solution that the community actually needs, by connecting everyone under our umbrella network.

The Hub's Mission: We are proposing to convert a large, central site, the former Wilko/Poundland buildings on St Stephens Street in Norwich into the NCSUN CHIC (Community Hub & Innovation Centre).

 This 8,560 sqm facility is designed using the Duty to Minimise Cognitive and Psychological Load (DMCPL) philosophy.  

What CHIC will provide:
Anti-Fragmentation Triage (Ground Floor): A Central Crisis Support Hub (CCSH) to end "referral fatigue," integrating key partners and offering services like the Ethical Café Academy and a dignified food bank. 
 
Health & Governance (First Floor): A Wellness Suite designed to act as a pressure valve for primary care, ready to support non-emergency services if the Walk-in Centre closes in the future and bringing back services unattainable now on the NHS.

Youth Focus (Second Floor): The Young People's Domain (YPD), providing safe, high-energy, and low-sensory spaces to combat youth isolation.  

Workforce Development: The LEEP Pathway (Lived Experience Expertise Profile Pathway) that transforms the life experience of vulnerable people and young adults into employable skills and policy expertise.  

 Call to Action:
We have the human trust, the community data, and the proven methodology. We just need the building.  
We invite you to officially log your agreement for this to happen. Your signature proves to the local Councils that the city needs this independent, centralised, anti-fragmentation hub.  

SIGN NOW to champion this national model for change and help turn a vacant building into a living blueprint for hope and innovation.