About Us
The hub is set within Firs Farms Wetlands and provides a special place for the local community to enjoy a variety of experiences. Home Care Preferred Social Enterprise are the overall operators of the hub and work closely with Leon's Café, which is a great place to enjoy a variety of food and beverage. The operators work in conjunction with Friends of Firs Farm, the charity that own the building.
Our story
Firs Farm Community Hub is the realisation of a long-held community vision. Located in the heart of Firs Farm Wetlands in Winchmore Hill, North London, our journey began as a grassroots effort led by the charity Friends of Firs Farm. Over eight years of campaigning, fundraising and volunteer effort culminated in the opening of the Hub in early 2024.
From humble beginnings - a muddy and under-resourced field - Firs Farm transformed into a flourishing green space and wetlands reserve, thanks to the dedication of local people and the formation of the Friends in 2016.
With the Hub building now established, we can finally offer proper facilities for everyone - visitors, community groups, local schools, and clubs. The Hub has become an accessible gateway to this beautiful landscape.
Why we started
We believe that everyone deserves access to welcoming, inclusive spaces - both indoors and out. The Hub was designed to provide:
Facilities for all
Including the first Changing Places toilet in a park in the Borough, making Firs Farm accessible for people with severe mobility limitations.
A place to connect
Somewhere residents, volunteers, learners and visitors can meet, share, create and grow together.
Support for wildlife and wellbeing
Our location within the wetlands means that community, nature, recreation and education all go hand in hand.
Our founding charity, the Friends of Firs Farm, raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, secured leases, engaged the community and pushed through planning to bring the Hub to life.
What The Hub offers
At Firs Farm Community Hub you’ll find:
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A welcoming café (Leon’s Café) open daily, offering drinks, snacks and a relaxed place to meet.
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Flexible spaces for hire - whether exercise classes, small parties, meetings, community events, workshops or meditation sessions.
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Inclusive and accessible amenities—changing and shower rooms, a fully-equipped disabled bathroom with hoist, and welcoming facilities for all ages and abilities.
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A calendar of live music, community gatherings, seasonal events and educational workshops to bring people together.
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Home Care Preferred office – From here the social enterprise operates as well the care agency who support people in the local community.
Our community impact
Since opening, the Hub has already welcomed hundreds of visitors, hosted school groups, raised funds for local causes and provided a home for community activities.
We’re committed to keeping this space open, dynamic and rooted in the needs of the neighbourhood—championing inclusion, creativity, learning and nature. Whether you’re a individual looking for a class, a group seeking a place to meet, or simply a visitor to the wetlands, you’re welcome here.
Want to see more? Join us on our social, media pages.
