Maidstone's Eco Hub Coming This Summer

In 2022 Maidstone Borough Council opened a pop-up, walk-in community information centre (The Go Green Information Centre) for residents to access information and see real world solutions to help them become more sustainable. The pop-up centre was based in an empty unit in The Mall, Maidstone and was open for four weeks. The pop-up was a big success and we received fantastic feedback from both visitors and participating organisations.

This summer we will be opening the centre again, now called ‘Maidstone’s Eco Hub’, taking over an empty unit in The Mall from the 1st of August for six weeks. Attached you will find a timetable showing our opening dates.

We are asking local, sustainable organisations to take part by supporting with information packs, posters, leaflets, giveaways and examples of their products and services that we can showcase in Maidstone’s Eco Hub to raise awareness with the public, demonstrating how we can live more sustainably, save money and reduce our carbon footprint. This would be a great opportunity for local sustainable organisations to showcase and demonstrate their goods and services for free, reach local people and create clarity and confidence in making more environmentally friendly choices. Last year 21 local organisations got involved with the information centre, and we are looking for even more this year.

As well as showcasing the work of local organisations, we will be running events at Maidstone’s Eco Hub. We are looking for local organisations to use our space in central Maidstone to run workshops, deliver talks or run community action days. If you would like to be involved in Maidstone’s Eco Hub in any way it would be great to hear from you.

We are also looking for people who would be interested in volunteering and helping run Maidstone’s Eco Hub. This would involve talking to residents and discussing with them sustainable choices, using the literature, posters and props provided in the information centre and also assisting with events. Last year’s volunteers enjoyed speaking to a wide range of visitors, made new contacts and learnt a lot from the people they worked alongside and interacted with. Volunteering slots will be from 10am-1pm and 1pm-4pm. Full training will be provided to all volunteers.

If you are interested in getting involved please send the following details to climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk :

1. Your full name

2. Details of your Background (CV or Biodiversity and Climate Change Interests) so that we are able to play to your strengths while taking part in the Go Green Information Centre

3. Your Approximate Availability (number of days/ hours per week or month)

4. Your Contact Details (email address and mobile phone number)

5. An Emergency Contact name and phone number details

6. Declaration of any Medical Conditions that other volunteers you work with should be made aware of to support you while taking part in the Go Green Information Centre

All information is completely confidential and is only used for the council's Duty of Care to our volunteers/ employees.