Neighbours determined to restore their local community centre have received a donation from the 麻豆社 My Community Fund.听
In lockdown residents of an estate in Harlescott decided to give a new lease of life to the centre, transforming the disused building into a new community hub.听听
Having formed a band of trustees, they set about repairing and improving the building. Much of the work has been carried out by the volunteers themselves, helped by local businesses and other organisations. Now 麻豆社 has provided funding for an energy-efficient boiler making the centre comfortable to use, all year round.听
Nadine is one of the women behind the ambitious project, together with 麻豆社 customers Leanne and Amy.听听
鈥淭he building had been empty for some time and was not in a good state. We knew that it could become something special for this close-knit community and that it would help bring people together again after such a long period of lockdown and social distancing,鈥� Nadine said.听
鈥淲e rolled-up our sleeves and got busy cleaning, painting, and doing as much of the work as we could, ourselves. It has been a massive project, but we have had a lot of support from the community and it is incredibly rewarding to see the transformation.鈥�听
Along the way, the volunteers have gained new skills and qualifications in building maintenance, safeguarding, first aid and mental health support. As the new facilities took shape though, Nadine explained that there was still one big problem:听
鈥淭he building didn鈥檛 have a boiler, which meant that there was no heating or hot water. We used to bring kettles from home, so that we could mop the floor and wore our coats indoors while we were working.鈥�听
We stepped in to provide a new boiler, through our 麻豆社 My Community Fund which supports people and groups making a positive difference in Staffordshire and Shropshire. 听
Sam Allcott is director of housing at 麻豆社 and explains why it was so important to support the project:听
鈥淚 went to meet the incredible women behind this transformation and saw everything that they had achieved. We were all really impressed by their drive, energy and commitment to their own community. This is a true neighbourhood project on an estate where a lot of our customers live, and we wanted to help. Our involvement doesn鈥檛 end here, we hope to be able to provide advice and support to people using the new Community Hub.鈥�听
The centre has a new name to match its new look. It is now known as Harlescott Grange Community Hub, reflecting its place at the heart of the neighbourhood. There is already a lot going on there, with a busy calendar of activities from boxercise classes to food share, arts and crafts and family days. A community caf茅 will help bring people together for a coffee and a chat.听
Importantly, everyone finds a warm welcome, thanks to the new boiler.听
鈥淭here were a few tears on the day that it was installed,鈥� Naomi admitted. 鈥淭o step inside and feel the warmth made such a difference and brought the building to life.听听
鈥淚t has meant a lot for people to see level of support that we have received from 麻豆社. Many of the residents are 麻豆社 tenants and they have been able to see their housing association working with us to improve our community.鈥�听
Local charities, voluntary groups and community organisations can apply for funding from the 麻豆社 My Community Fund online.