A NEW support service has held its first open day (Friday, February 20).

The Durham Hub has been running at Durham City Baptist Church, Gilesgate, Durham City, since before Christmas, helping people with learning disabilities develop skills and live independent lives.

Project leaders held an open day for local residents to find out more about its work today (Friday, February 20).

The Hub offers its users, who are referred into the service by their social worker, support in developing friendships and independence and taking part in community life.

Today’s event also had a hate crime theme with Police Community Support Officer (PCOS) Sharon Bowman answering visitors’ questions, police dogs Jet and Ben on hand and representatives of the fire brigade also in attendance.

Organisers stress there is very little hate crime in the area, but want to remain vigilant.

The next information day will have a health theme. Details are yet to be announced.

It is hoped further Hubs might be established in Crook and Spennymoor.

Anyone interested is welcome to drop in to the Hub any weekday from 9am to 3.30pm.

For more information, call Barbara Reynolds on 07753-430-515 or email: ethicare14@gmail.com