Ansvar is a specialist insurer of the charity, faith and not-for-profit sector. With an understanding of the challenges these organisations face, from a lack of affordable office space to limited networking opportunities, it launched the Community Hub at its Brighton office in March 2024.

Right now charities are operating in unprecedented and challenging times. The cost-of-living crisis is increasing the demand for charities’ services, while government funding is being cut and donations are declining. Charities are facing higher operational costs at the same time their beneficiaries’ needs are growing – forcing them to do more with less.

Recognising the immense pressures charities face, Ansvar made it a top priority during its 2024 head office move to Brighton to secure a space large enough to support more than just its own team. Its vision was a dedicated ‘hub’ where charities can connect, collaborate, spark ideas, share knowledge and build stronger communities.

The Hub is more than just a free workspace – it’s a vibrant centre for connection, collaboration and growth. Staff and volunteers from charities of all sizes and sectors can hot-desk, meet, train, learn or host events in a flexible, fully accessible space.

Understanding that training is vital for growth and development – but often out of reach due to cost – Ansvar hosts free, quarterly sessions on topics chosen by charities themselves, including fundraising, risk management and impact measurement. These hybrid events are designed to equip organisations with practical tools and insights to strengthen their work, amplify their impact and to network and build connections.

When the Hub launched in March 2024, getting charities to take up the free space was challenging because they were sceptical as to why a corporate would offer such a facility for free. With the help of social media, some publicity in sector media and a well-attended launch event, the Hub is now thriving. And with so many local charities using the space, networking opportunities have increased, which is helping to strengthen the sector as a whole.

For Ansvar, the Hub has been instrumental in helping the insurance provider to build deeper relationships with the charities that use the workspace and attend events. Charities are open to sharing what they want from the company, how their needs can be better met and what resources and training they would benefit from.

Sussex Prisoners’ Families is a charity that supports families who have a loved one in the criminal justice system. It has made full use of the facilities provided by the Hub. “As a charity, the use of Ansvar’s Community Hub is so beneficial. We can hold staff/volunteer training and board meetings here at no cost. This really helps lower our running costs and concentrate our funds on core services.”

Not content with supporting nearly 50 charities to date, Ansvar is keen for more charities to use the office, meeting and event space and to attend the training events.

Head to Ansvar’s website to find out more about the Hub, and to book a visit.