The ETNA community centre in East Twickenham, London, offers a range of activities from daytime discos to yoga sessions, all under one roof. The centre, run by the East Twickenham Neighbourhood Association, provides a pay-as-you-feel cafe, financial advice, digital support, childcare, legal services, and counselling drop-ins. According to the hub's director, Vanessa James, ETNA supports a wide range of needs across the community, making a real difference amid rising living costs.
Services and Impact
The centre is open 365 days a year and welcomes more than 1,400 people each week. Meals at the cafe have no minimum payment or set charge; donations are accepted if people can afford them. Free support services like Manage Your Money, run in partnership with Citizens Advice, help residents reduce household bills and strengthen their finances. Jennifer, a cafe guest, says, "The food helps me stretch my pension." Another visitor expressed gratitude for financial help that led to backdated benefits.
Nationwide Trend
Community hubs like ETNA are part of a wider network of about 21,000 community centres and halls across the UK, according to a 2025 report by the thinktank New Local. In Brighton, the Hangleton and Knoll Project operates from St Richard's community centre, which hosts 67 groups. Manager Ann Tizzard notes an increase in visitors since the Covid lockdown due to cost of living worries, with most activities free or low cost.
Social Benefits
At ETNA, visitors like Bernard Harrison and Eric Ruggier, both 94, enjoy table tennis and companionship. Ruggier, a former South African champion, says, "It is a lovely, friendly place." James emphasizes that people seek not only advice but also places to spend time together, offering companionship and a sense of belonging. The relaxed community setting makes services feel less clinical and more welcoming.
