Acomb First School officially opened its long-awaited Harrison Wellbeing Hub on Tuesday 5th November 2025, marking a proud milestone in the school’s commitment to supporting children’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
The opening, held at 1pm, was attended by children, staff, parents, governors, and members of the local community, alongside special guests Sir David and Lady Sylvia Harrison, Daniel Harrison, and former Newcastle United player Shola Ameobi, who all helped to mark the occasion.
Headteacher Hannah Williamson welcomed everyone, sharing how the dream of creating a dedicated wellbeing space began as “a vision to provide every child with a place where they can feel calm, connected and cared for.” The Hub, built from giant recycled plastic Lego-style bricks and featuring a living green roof, is a unique eco-friendly structure designed around children’s needs.
“The Harrison Wellbeing Hub isn’t just a building,” Miss Williamson said. “It represents the compassion, creativity and community spirit that define our school. Every single child has had a hand in its creation, literally. They helped to build the wall panels, signed their names on the bricks, and contributed ideas for the design. This is their legacy.”
Following the welcome, the whole school performed “This Is Me” and a specially written Harrison Hub Poem, celebrating inclusion and difference, before sharing their reflections on what the Hub means to them.
Guest speakers praised the project’s innovative approach and the strength of community collaboration that made it possible. Sir David Harrison spoke about the importance of investing in children’s wellbeing for the future, while Shola Ameobi shared his admiration for the school’s inclusive ethos and the power of community to make lasting change.
Entertainment from Melody and Phil Hunt added a joyful touch to the celebration, and guests enjoyed refreshments made possible by an extraordinary team of staff, families and volunteers, from baking cakes to building balloon arches and helping on the day.
The school raised £140,000 through local fundraising and generous community donations to bring the Hub to life. Partners including The Harrison Foundation, Tanga, Co-op, Councillor Trevor Cessford, and Green Roof Structures were recognised for their support. A light-hearted moment in Miss Williamson’s speech recalled her “vision of a beautiful log cabin” being replaced by Marc from Green Roof Structures “turning up with a pile of giant Lego bricks and once we realised the children could build panels and write on them, I was sold!”
The Harrison Wellbeing Hub will now provide a safe, sensory, and sustainable space for all children at Acomb First School, particularly those with additional needs, to relax, talk, and learn about emotional health.
As the event closed, Miss Williamson reflected: “This Hub stands as a symbol of hope, belonging and kindness, proof that when a community comes together for its children, anything is possible.”
