A parish hall is getting a makeover thanks to a £20,000 grant from housing provider believe housing.
Improvements funded by a believe housing community investment grant will make St Helen’s Parish Centre, in St Helen Auckland, County Durham, feel brighter, warmer and more inviting to all members of the community.
Windows are being installed to let natural light and air into the main hall, a sensory room has been created for children with special educational needs or disabilities and both indoor and outdoor play facilities will be enhanced.
Storage space will also be improved to support an expanding pre-loved clothing store.
Father Edward Gunn, of St Helen’s Parish Church, which runs the centre, said the grant is helping to create a more welcoming environment where the church and other groups can provide free, important services to residents of West Auckland, St Helen Auckland, Tindale Crescent and surrounding area.
Community worker Gareth Gladman said: “More than half of the children who have accessed our family groups have some additional needs, we hope that by creating a sensory breakout space we can support children and show all families they are welcome.
“The grant has meant we could replace second-hand plastic toys with quality wooden toys, so they will last longer.
“The windows will make the building a lot more pleasant and let natural warmth and light in, so it will be easier to heat and more environmentally friendly. It won’t feel like a cold and airless box, which has been said.
“And we know parents and carers are not happy with the quality of outdoor play spaces in this area, so we’re looking forward to getting new play equipment and a garden in the New Year.”
Visitors to the centre’s free, weekly parent and toddler groups, Busy Bees and Jolly Tots, are already feeling the benefits.
Mother-of-two Lauren Richardson said: “I get the bus along from Woodhouse Close because my son loves these groups, everyone’s so welcoming and they’re good for him to meet new people, play with friends, and try new foods.
“I think it’s good they’re getting this support to make it even better.”
Activities, volunteering and learning opportunities to be run alongside existing groups will help visitors to boost their employability skills and confidence.
Joanne Norman, Community Investment Coordinator at believe housing, said: “This wasn’t a project done to a community, but by consulting with people to find out what they want, families were absolutely at the heart of it from the beginning.
“Our Employability Team will be able to support customers through the centre, which will not only be a more inviting place for members of the community to use but also for organisations we hope will come here to offer extra support or services to people in this community.”
Find out about our Keep Warm, Keep Well community grants here
A housing association-led partnership has transformed two college classrooms into cutting-edge workshops, designed to inspire students to join the construction sector.
Grant funding from believe housing is helping a County Durham community get in touch with their local wildlife.
Colleagues from believe housing have been helping a charity with its annual Christmas tree recycling scheme.
believe housing has up to £90,000 in grant funding available to support projects that help its customers to improve their lives.
