We are fundraising to replace all of our old inefficient light bulbs with modern energy efficient LED lighting to help create a sustainable building.
Our project is about saving a valuable Community Centre from closure by cutting waste and increasing income.
Ragworth Community Centre serves one of the most disadvantaged communities in the UK. This project aims to have a massive and lasting impact in a community which has suffered more than most as a result of government austerely measures.
We have taken on a building which the local authority could no longer afford to support and we plan to transform it from a loss making Community Centre into a fully self-sustaining going concern free from any dependence of local authority financial support within 5 years.
We aim to achieve this in two ways:
- Reduce running costs by capitalising on all available opportunities to use renewable and cheaper sources of energy.
- Implementing a culture of brilliant Customer Service which supports and encourages staff to work with local people to massively increasing the number of income generating services and activities that take place in the building.
Our plans include developing a Café and Tea Room, increasing opening hours, expanding gym membership and promoting use of the Centre for Children’s Parties.
The Trust have launched a full scale marketing campaign urging people who are interested in using the Centre to offer services and activities that complement existing provision to contact them.
This includes Dance Tutors, Weight Management Groups, Yoga and Pilates Teachers, Clubs and Societies, Exercise Class Tutors, Craft Groups, Bingo, After School Clubs, Cubs, Brownies & Scouts, or anyone with an idea they need support to develop.
They also want to provide opportunities for local residents to take up volunteering and are keen to develop partnerships with organisations interested in protecting and enhancing the Community Centre and accompanying open space and play area.