A NEW community project in Launceston that will try to answer social needs was officially opened by the mayor last week.

The ROC Hub is at the Gateway Centre, next to the town's library.

Kevin Pickup, assistant pastor at the Gateway 2 New Life Church, said: "The ROC Hub itself is a community area looking to meet unmet social needs in our town, such as joblessness, loneliness, and vulnerability. If we indentify that need we will meet it with an activity.

"All the activities at the moment are free to attend. All the groups will ideally have a tangible outcome — for example, the Knit 'n' Natter will be knitting clothing for foreign aid or socks for premature babies at Derriford Hospital."

In May 2013, a community audit was held at the town hall involving key organisations and groups within Launceston to help identify the unmet needs of the town. Kevin said this feedback helped the development of the community space.

He added: "One of the targets of the youth café on a Friday is how can we reduce anti-social behaviour in the town and in the community.

"If anyone in the community recognises or identifies a need in their area and thinks the Hub could benefit them, please get in touch."

Current groups include a club for jobseekers on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, Knit 'n' Natter on Thursday mornings and a youth café on Friday afternoons.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.