A SINGLE mum is just one Winsford resident benefiting from the merger of services into one building.

Just weeks after opening its doors to the public, the Public Services Hub is already helping residents improve their lives.

Karla McDonagh, from the Mount Pleasant area, has had to cope with ‘struggling circumstances’ in recent years as she brings up her one-year-old son without the security of having a job.

She said: “When I was moving over from maternity pay to benefits I needed help with council tax and rent and I was sent to Wyvern House. It is now the go to place in Winsford. They ask you what you need and they point you in the right direction.”

Residents can access a range of services which offer employment, housing, health and welfare reform support. They will be given help to prepare CVs, develop IT skills and apply for jobs.

The refurbished facility on the ground floor is home to Job Centre Plus, the Work Zone and Citizens Advice. Also on site are Forhousing and Weaver Vale Housing Trust Work and the Enterprise team.

The 32-year-old added: “There were times in the past when you would constantly be back and forth to different places. With it all being under one roof it is a massive benefit to the local community because all the relevant organisations you need for assistance and help are all here. You only need to walk down a hallway.”

The improvements to Wyvern House are part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Winsford Whole Place Programme which is working to transform the lives of the people of Winsford so that they are able to thrive.

Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “This new Public Services Hub is able to support these people by offering a simple and effective collaborative service within one site.

“I would advise people to pay a visit to Wyvern House if you need support with employment, housing, health or welfare to see for yourself how our advisors can work together to support you in whichever way you need.”