Hitchin's very own community hub
The Block Hitchin
The Block Community Hub is a creative resource space in Hitchin Town Centre. Run by a Community Interest Company the main aim of the hub is to support The Block Training, vocational training programs and positive activities for young people at risk of exclusion and exploitation in the community. We use our resources to create additional income; all profits support the work with young people.
- 23 Churchgate, Hitchin
supporting your hitchin community
What Services are Available
Block Training
Block Training provides vocational training with qualifications for young people at risk of exclusion from mainstream education or offending.
The Block Studio
Our SSL recording studio with vocal booth are available for hire for singers, songwriters, and podcasters. We provide sound engineers and production staff.
The Block Cinema
Film screenings monthly in our boutique cinema surroundings, sofas cushions and comfort while you watch old favourites, cult classics and new masterpieces.
The Block Community Hub
Our larger multi use venue is available for hire for private parties; baby showers, brunches, engagements, wedding receptions & more.
Training
Block Training
Block Training provides vocational training with qualifications for young people at risk of exclusion from mainstream education or offending. We use Music production, DJing, spoken word, Hospitality skills and Gym sessions to engage learners and address functional skills and behavioural issues. Qualifications offered include Functional Skills, Food and Hygiene and Arts Award. All young people attending are matched one to one with a mentor to provide intensive mentoring and support. Students learn at their own pace to improve employability or return to mainstream education. The Block Training works in partnership with amongst others Brandles School, Herts Police Gang unit and Paradigm Project. All staff are fully trained and DBS checked.
STUDENT A – 98% Attendance after being removed by mainstream education by police. Achieved Level 2 certificate in 4 months. “I like it here the staff are calm”
STUDENT B – One year out of mainstream education 90% attendance, achieved level 2 certificate with a 90% pass.
STUDENT C – 88% Attendance “I like that the lessons are about my life”
Recording studio
The Block Studio
Our SSL recording studio with vocal booth are available for hire for singers, songwriters, and podcasters. We provide sound engineers and production staff. We can also offer a mastering service. Hire is offered by the hour or day at the weekend and evenings. Offering our resources to other creatives in the community. The Block Studio runs an under 18s open mic session and under 18s events. Prices from £30ph with discounts for students.
Regular Film screenings
The Block Cinema
Film screenings monthly in our boutique cinema surroundings; sofas cushions and comfort while you watch old favourites, cult classics and new masterpieces. Table service provides good wine, beers cocktails or a good cuppa, grazing boards and gourmet popcorn.
Licensed venue hire
The Block Community Hub
Our larger multi use venue is available for hire for private parties, baby showers, brunches, engagements, wedding receptions, film screenings. live music, plays, rehearsal space, dance classes, community groups. Anything you need a space for we can help, evenings and weekends. During the summer months we have the only roof terrace in Hitchin available to hire for small group events. Licensing Restrictions will apply to events.
Testimonials and Results
Results of our work
Everything we do is in support of our vocational training and positive activities for young people at risk. You can hear some of their thoughts and see some results here.
