The Countess of Wessex officially opened the newly-refurbished Jigsaw Hub community space and baby bank area of The Lighthouse in Surrey this week.
The newly-refurbished Jigsaw Hub in Woking doubles as a community space for families and a baby bank that provides supplies like clothing and toys and other equipment to families with children under five.
“I certainly got so much out of my time here and I hope to continue to do bits of volunteering for you because it’s a wonderful community that you’ve created here and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Sophie told those gathered.
During her visit she spoke with new mothers about the parenting challenges they’re facing and how the Jigsaw hub has provided them with the support they need. She also learned how the pandemic has impacted them and their family life. Later, she spoke with the volunteers who’d helped refurbish the space and took part in a workshop.
The Lighthouse is a community hub in Woking that “hosts a range of creative projects to support, encourage, and empower those who find themselves on the margins,” according to its official website. It has a second branch in Barnsbury, London.
The Jigsaw hub provides support to families that are referred by midwives and social workers or health, home school and support workers.
Sophie has previously volunteered with The Lighthouse, most recently at Christmas, helping to pack care packages and bake mince pies and other goodies. In 2020, The Lighthouse provided support to 7,466 locals through the work of 300 volunteers.
Sophie’s visit to The Lighthouse coincided with the news that she and Edward will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines between 22-28 April on behalf of The Queen for her Platinum Jubilee.
Further details of their visit will be announced ahead of their departure.
