St James Centre: A Family Hub at the Heart of North Birkenhead

If you’ve ever been to St James Centre Family Hub in North Birkenhead, you’ll know it’s no ordinary building. It’s a lively, welcoming space at the heart of the community – a place where people of all ages come together to chat, learn, play, and support one another.

The St James Centre is part of Wirral’s Family Hub network – a group of Hubs across the borough that bring together professionals, organisations, and services all under one roof to help families thrive. Each Hub offers a warm and friendly environment, and St James Centre is no exception.

There’s something happening every day, with a full calendar of free activities for families to get involved in. For the little ones, there’s Tots, Tea and Toast, baking clubs, messy play and more. For grown-ups, there are book clubs, quizzes, movie afternoons, Lifelong Learning opportunities, and Mum Space – a relaxing, friendly group where mums can connect and unwind.

The Hub itself is a bustling building, home to a community café, library, activity spaces, play areas, a digital corner for your printing and online needs, and offices hosting various services and local organisations.

Need a bit of extra help? The team at St James Centre have you covered. You can access support around finances through Citizens Advice Wirral, get help with quitting smoking, pick up essentials from the pantry, take part in clothing swaps, or just pop in for a free meal and some company in a warm, safe space.

Whether you’re looking for support, want to join in with a session, or just fancy a cuppa and a chat, the St James Centre is open to all. Drop in Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

The Hub is powered almost entirely by volunteers – many of whom first came through the doors looking for support themselves. Now they give back by helping out in the café, keeping the centre running smoothly, and offering a friendly face at reception.

Let’s meet some of the people making a difference… 

Ray

Ray has been part of St James since he was just a toddler, often popping into the library with his mum. By age 11, he was volunteering at St James while his mum worked in the café, now he works at the Centre to give back to his community. With the support of the Hub, Ray’s grown in confidence, built up new skills, and is now gaining qualifications to set himself up for the future.

Hear more from Ray below: 

Brenda

After retiring, Brenda felt a bit lost. She missed the routine, the people, and the purpose. That changed when she discovered St James. Now she’s a regular on the reception desk, always ready with a welcoming smile or to help someone get online at the digital corner. Volunteering has given her a new lease of life, and a renewed sense of belonging.

Watch Brenda’s story below: 

Jess

Jess is the Community Development Coordinator and the friendly face behind the Hub’s busy family calendar. She helps run sessions every day, supports parents with the ups and downs of family life, and is always happy to lend a listening ear or help connect you with other support.

Hear more from Jess here: 

Kym

Kym first came to St James Centre during a rough patch in her life. She was looking for a safe, welcoming space for her and her young son – and she found it. A few years later, she became a volunteer and started helping with everything from reception to the café.

Now a staff member, Kym still gives back by volunteering, and she’s even launched her own group, Mum Space, thanks to funding from the Hub. Based on her own experience, it’s a place where mums can come to relax, recharge and connect with others.

Listen to what Kym has to say about the Hub below: 

Everyone's welcome

Whether you need help, want to get involved, or just fancy a chat over a brew – St James Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It’s a space where everyone’s welcome and no one’s judged.

To find out what’s on, check out the St James Centre Facebook page. 
Looking for your nearest Family Hub? Visit Family Toolbox.