Cardiff Community Hubs: Services for Local Residents

Cardiff’s community hubs provide local access to public services, information, learning, digital facilities, wellbeing support, advice and community activities. The model brings services closer to residents through neighbourhood locations rather than requiring people to travel to central council offices or separate specialist facilities.

Cardiff Council describes Hubs and Libraries as places supporting community engagement, literacy and essential services across the city. Its Cardiff Hubs and Libraries Strategy 2024–2029 places emphasis on trusted information, cost-of-living assistance, digital inclusion, employment support, children and young people, health and wellbeing, volunteering, inclusive spaces and outreach.

The importance of these facilities reflects Cardiff’s role as Wales’s largest local authority by population density. The 2021 Census recorded Cardiff as the most densely populated local authority in Wales, with 2,572 residents per square kilometre.

Community hubs therefore form part of the city’s neighbourhood infrastructure. They connect residents with services that support everyday life, learning, employment, social participation and access to information.

What are community hubs in Cardiff?

Cardiff community hubs are neighbourhood facilities that combine library services, council support, advice, digital access, wellbeing activities and community programmes in accessible local settings. They provide residents with practical services while creating spaces for learning, participation and social connection.

A community hub is different from a traditional single-purpose public building. A conventional library primarily focuses on books, information and reading. A community hub brings additional functions into the same local environment.

Cardiff Council operates Hubs and Libraries as part of its approach to delivering services throughout the city. Residents can use these facilities for library membership, book borrowing, digital resources, computers, Wi-Fi, advice and community activities.

The hub model also supports face-to-face contact. Cardiff Council states that residents can visit Hubs to access council services and speak with staff in person. This provides an alternative to online-only contact for residents who require direct assistance.

The facilities also support community groups and activities. Available provision varies by location, so residents need to check their local Hub for current services, opening times and events.

The wider purpose is place-based service delivery. Services are organised around communities rather than solely around individual council departments.

How did Cardiff develop the community hub model?

Cardiff developed its community hub approach by expanding the role of local libraries and neighbourhood facilities into broader service centres. The model now connects library provision with advice, digital inclusion, employment, wellbeing, community participation and partner services across Cardiff.

Libraries have long provided Cardiff residents with access to information, reading materials and learning resources. Their role has expanded as public needs have changed.

Modern Cardiff Hubs combine this established library function with additional public and community services. The Cardiff Hubs and Libraries Strategy 2024–2029 explicitly links hubs with community engagement, literacy and essential services.

The strategy also recognises changes in how residents access information. Digital services have become an important part of everyday life, while some residents still require face-to-face assistance. Cardiff’s hub model responds to both requirements.

The development also reflects wider changes in public service delivery. Local authorities increasingly use shared community facilities to bring several services closer to residents. Cardiff’s current strategy describes this approach through inclusive spaces, outreach and extension of provision.

The historical role of libraries remains visible within the modern model. Residents can still borrow physical books, access eBooks and audiobooks, use reading groups and obtain library-based information services.

The difference is that these services now sit within a broader community infrastructure.

What services do Cardiff community hubs provide?

Cardiff community hubs provide library access, computers, Wi-Fi, digital resources, information and advice, wellbeing activities, employment support, community events, meeting facilities and selected council services. Specific services differ between locations, so residents should check their nearest Hub.

Library services remain a central component. Cardiff residents can join the library free of charge, borrow books and eBooks, access online resources and use public computers.

Digital access is particularly important. Cardiff libraries provide free Wi-Fi at almost all locations and public computers with internet access and Microsoft Office applications. Computers can be booked in advance using a library card and PIN.

Hubs also provide information and advice. Cardiff Council identifies money advice, benefits information, grants and discounts as part of its hub-related support. These services help residents understand available assistance and manage household finances.

Employment support forms another part of the wider service structure. Cardiff Council’s Hubs and Libraries Strategy includes employability support, light-touch assistance, one-to-one mentoring and training programmes.

Community rooms and meeting facilities provide space for activities and local groups. Libraries also support reading groups and other organised activities. Cardiff Council states that local Hubs can help residents find or establish reading groups.

Wellbeing support is another important function. Cardiff Council identifies Hub-based activities and services supporting mental wellbeing and community health.

The combination creates a broad service environment. A resident can use a Hub for reading, computer access, advice, community participation and wellbeing support during the same period.

How do Cardiff Hubs support digital inclusion?

Cardiff Hubs support digital inclusion through free Wi-Fi, public computers, online library resources, printing facilities and digital assistance. These services provide residents with practical access to technology while the Council’s strategy places digital skills and reduced digital poverty among its long-term priorities.

Digital inclusion means ensuring people can access and use digital technology for essential activities. These activities include employment, education, communication, public services and financial management.

Cardiff’s public libraries provide free Wi-Fi at all libraries except Tongwynlais, according to Cardiff Council’s current library services information. Public computers provide internet access and Microsoft Office applications.

Printing is also available. Residents can use public printers and Wi-Fi printing, allowing documents to be sent to library printers remotely. These services are relevant for residents who do not have suitable equipment at home.

Digital access also supports online public services. Council services increasingly use websites, digital forms and online accounts. Residents without reliable home equipment can use community facilities as a point of access.

The Cardiff Hubs and Libraries Strategy 2024–2029 identifies digital inclusion as a strategic priority. The Council plans to develop digital services while helping residents build essential digital skills and addressing digital poverty.

Cardiff’s wider Digital Strategy 2025–2030 also places citizens and communities at the centre of digital service development. Its framework focuses on accessible technology, collaboration and improved service delivery.

Digital inclusion therefore extends beyond providing computers. It involves access, skills, information and confidence.

How do community hubs help with cost-of-living pressures?

Cardiff community hubs connect residents with money advice, benefits information, food support, warm spaces, emergency assistance information and other cost-of-living resources. They provide local points where residents can obtain information and identify relevant financial or community support.

Cost-of-living pressures affect household budgets through housing, energy, food, transport and other essential expenses. Local advice services help residents identify available support.

Cardiff Council lists Hubs among the places where residents can access cost-of-living assistance. Its current cost-of-living information covers household bills, employment, warm spaces, food support, benefits, money and debt, housing, health and family support.

Warm spaces form another part of the community response. Cardiff Council states that Hubs and partner organisations provide places offering warmth, company and support. The Council also provides information about foodbanks, community fridges and food pantries.

Emergency food assistance is connected with local advice. Cardiff Council states that its Money Advice Team, Hubs and Advice Line can issue emergency food vouchers in qualifying circumstances.

Money advice also covers budgeting, income maximisation and debt management. These services provide practical information rather than replacing specialist financial or legal services.

Housing support is another connected area. Cardiff Council provides advice on homelessness prevention, social housing, rent support and tenant assistance. Its Money Advice Service also supports residents experiencing financial difficulty.

This makes community hubs useful access points during periods of financial pressure. Residents can start with local information and then be directed towards the relevant specialist service.

How do Cardiff community hubs support health and wellbeing?

Cardiff community hubs support wellbeing through community activities, mental wellbeing information, health initiatives, social participation, reading programmes and connections with local organisations. Their role focuses on accessible community support rather than replacing GP, hospital, emergency or specialist clinical services.

Health and wellbeing services within the hub model operate at community level. They focus on information, prevention, participation and connection.

Cardiff Council states that Hubs can provide mental health and wellbeing support through activities and services. Residents can visit local Hubs for information and access to available programmes.

The Hubs and Libraries Strategy includes health and wellbeing as one of its ten key aims. The strategy identifies Reading Well, community health testing and collaboration with health partners as examples of activity within this area.

Social participation also has a wellbeing dimension. Cardiff Council identifies activities such as arts and crafts, sports, choirs, dancing, exercise classes, gardening, book clubs, photography and special-interest groups as ways residents can participate in local activities.

Community participation provides opportunities for residents to interact with other people around shared activities. Cardiff’s Age Friendly Cardiff programme also identifies social participation, communication, community support and health services among its eight areas of focus.

The distinction between community wellbeing and clinical healthcare remains important. A Hub provides access to information, activities and support. It does not replace emergency healthcare, a GP appointment or specialist medical treatment.

The model instead strengthens the local network around residents.

How do Cardiff Hubs support children, young people and families?

Cardiff Hubs support children, young people and families through books, reading activities, school-related resources, holiday programmes, family events, digital access and community activities. The city’s Hub strategy specifically identifies children and young people as a major area of service development.

Libraries provide resources for children and young people through physical collections, reading activities and educational support. Teachers and schools can also arrange class visits with local library teams.

Reading remains a core service. Cardiff Council describes reading as both a fundamental skill and a recreational activity and promotes special events through its Hubs and libraries.

Holiday activities provide another connection between families and community facilities. Cardiff Council directs families towards Hub and library events during school holidays and provides information about other city activities.

The 2024–2029 Hubs and Libraries Strategy identifies children and young people as a dedicated strategic aim. It includes engagement with children and young people and their families to shape collections, activities and events.

Community hubs also provide practical access to computers and internet services. This supports school-related research, online learning and digital skills.

Families can also connect with wider Cardiff support through council information services. Cardiff Family Advice and Support provides information about childcare, activities and support for children aged 0–20 and their families or carers.

The Hub therefore acts as one local access point within a larger family-support network.

How do Cardiff Hubs support older residents and people with additional needs?

Cardiff Hubs support older residents and people with additional needs through accessible facilities, digital assistance, social activities, information services, community programmes and targeted support. Accessibility features and inclusive programming form part of Cardiff’s wider approach to community-based service delivery.

Accessibility is an important part of the community hub model. Cardiff Council’s strategy commits to inclusive spaces designed around community needs.

A Cardiff Council strategy for adults with learning disabilities states that the city has a network of 21 Community Hubs integrating council and partner services. It identifies facilities such as hearing loops, easy-read documents, wheelchair-accessible tables and computer terminals at Hub locations.

The same strategy identifies library services, housing and benefits advice, money advice, Into Work services and cafés among services integrated into community hubs. It also describes physical and social activities, including Tai Chi and gardening clubs.

These facilities provide practical support for residents who need accessible information or technology.

Older residents can also use library services, social activities and community programmes. Cardiff’s Age Friendly Cardiff action plan includes digital inclusion, information access, social participation, community support and employment or volunteering opportunities among its priorities.

Cardiff is also developing a wider approach to neurodivergent inclusion. The Neurodivergent Friendly Cardiff strategy covers 2025–2030 and was developed following engagement with more than 800 people.

Inclusive community infrastructure therefore involves both physical accessibility and the accessibility of information, communication and activities.

How can residents use Cardiff community hubs for employment and skills?

Residents can use Cardiff community hubs for employment information, CV support, digital access, training opportunities, mentoring and skills development. Hub-based employment support connects local residents with practical resources while allowing specialist employability services to provide more targeted assistance.

Employment is one of the strategic functions identified for Cardiff Hubs and Libraries. The 2024–2029 strategy includes employability support, one-to-one mentoring and training programmes.

Digital facilities also support job searches. Residents can use public computers and internet access to search vacancies, prepare applications, update CVs and communicate with employers.

Cardiff Council’s housing and support information identifies the Into Work Advice Service as a free service for jobseekers. It includes CV writing workshops, interview techniques and access to training information.

The local hub environment makes employment support more accessible for residents who do not have reliable equipment or internet access at home.

Skills development extends beyond employment. Community learning can include basic digital skills, reading activities and practical programmes. The learning disability strategy identifies Community Adult Basic Skills programmes operating through Hubs, with activities designed to develop confidence and basic skills.

Volunteering is another part of the model. Cardiff’s Hub strategy includes volunteer opportunities as a strategic aim, linking participation with skills development and community connection.

The result is a local pathway from information access to skills development and, where appropriate, specialist employment support.

How do community hubs strengthen local communities in Cardiff?

Community hubs strengthen local communities by providing shared spaces where residents access information, services, learning, advice, activities and volunteering opportunities. They connect council services with community organisations and help create stronger neighbourhood networks through regular local participation.

Community infrastructure is central to Cardiff Council’s current approach to neighbourhood development. The Council’s 2026–2027 corporate priorities include investing in communities and creating safe and inclusive communities.

The Hub and Library Strategy supports this place-based approach. Its stated objectives include community engagement, essential services, inclusive spaces and outreach to communities that need access to Hub provision.

Community spaces also support local organisations. Rooms and meeting facilities provide locations for organised groups, while activities such as reading groups, gardening, exercise, arts and crafts and special-interest clubs create opportunities for participation.

Public participation is another part of Cardiff’s wider community framework. The Council’s Participation Strategy 2023–2027 states that public participation is intended to strengthen engagement and ensure residents’ needs and aspirations inform decision-making. The strategy is available in English, Welsh, Arabic, Bengali and Polish.

Language accessibility is particularly relevant in Cardiff. Welsh is an important part of the city’s civic and cultural identity. Government statistics recorded Cardiff as having the highest number of Welsh speakers among Welsh local authorities in the 2021 Annual Population Survey, with 101,800 Welsh speakers.

Community hubs therefore operate within a multilingual and diverse urban environment.

Their value extends beyond individual transactions. Regular access to shared facilities helps residents connect with information, organisations and other members of their neighbourhood.

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Where can Cardiff residents find their nearest community hub?

Cardiff residents can find their nearest Hub or library through Cardiff Council’s Hubs and Libraries service. The Council provides location information, opening details, services and online library access, while individual facilities differ in their available activities and specialist support.

Cardiff Council maintains an online directory for Hubs and libraries. Residents can use the service to identify local facilities and access information about library membership and services.

Residents can also use the Council’s neighbourhood service. The My Neighbourhood facility allows people to enter their postcode to identify local councillors, facilities and other neighbourhood information.

Checking the individual Hub before travelling is important because services differ between locations. One facility can offer a particular community programme while another provides different rooms, activities or advice services.

Opening arrangements also change, so current Council information provides the appropriate reference point.

Library membership is free. Residents can join online or in person at Cardiff Hubs and libraries. Cardiff Council also recognises library membership from other library services in Wales, England and Northern Ireland under its stated conditions.

Community recycling facilities are also available at selected Hubs and libraries. Cardiff Council lists locations including Butetown Pavilion Youth Hub, Canton Library, Cathays Branch and Heritage Library and Central Library Hub. Accepted materials vary by location.

This illustrates the broader role of Hubs. They are not limited to traditional library functions. They operate as local points where residents can access a range of civic, cultural and community resources.

What is the future role of community hubs in Cardiff?

The future role of Cardiff community hubs centres on integrated local services, digital inclusion, employment support, wellbeing, inclusive spaces, volunteering and stronger community outreach. Cardiff’s 2024–2029 Hub strategy provides the current framework for developing these functions across neighbourhoods.

Cardiff’s Hub and Library Strategy establishes ten strategic aims covering reading and culture, trusted information, cost-of-living assistance, digital inclusion, employment, children and young people, health and wellbeing, volunteering, inclusive spaces and outreach.

These priorities reflect the changing function of local public facilities. Residents still require books, information and reading spaces, but they also require access to digital services, advice, employment resources and community activities.

The strategy also emphasises working with partners. This creates opportunities for council services, community organisations and other agencies to operate through shared local infrastructure.

Cardiff’s wider corporate plan reinforces this place-based direction. The Council identifies Hubs and libraries as part of community infrastructure and links them with neighbourhood support, inclusion and accessible public spaces.

Digital development will remain significant. Cardiff’s Digital Strategy 2025–2030 places citizens and communities at the centre of service design and focuses on technology, collaboration and accessible public services.

The future community hub is therefore a connected civic facility. It combines physical space with digital access and links residents to specialist support.

For Cardiff residents, the practical importance is straightforward. A local Hub can provide a first point of contact for information, learning, community participation and selected public services without requiring every need to be handled through a separate location.

Community hubs consequently form an important part of Cardiff’s neighbourhood infrastructure. Their role combines established library functions with newer requirements around digital access, financial support, employment, wellbeing, inclusion and community participation.