There's nothing special about us, we are just ordinary people who share the belief that given the right support most people are capable of great things. As a group we have been doing community projects for about 5 years now but some of us have been around since the dawn of time!
Our work is based on three corner stones of Community Pride, Self Help and Mutual Support and that everyone can help in some way to shape the future of the community.
Our group's strapline is people-led action bringing communities back to life. We believe the most valuable assets a community has are its people, but were not so big headed that we don't recognise that not everyone has what they need to solve their own problems and from time to time you need to get a bit of support.
That's why we are setting up the "Downstairs Drop-in Project". The idea is to develop a centrally based accessible safe and welcoming environment together with appropriate professional support with direct access to a broad range of interesting and exciting activities and opportunities for those (including some of the many ex-servicemen and women who live in our town) who don’t always show on the Covid 19 deprivation radar for whatever reason but will benefit greatly from some human warmth and kindness whilst learning how to manage in difficult times.
Keighley Town Council has given us loads of support including the use of their former cafe/exhibition space in the Civic Centre free of charge! and we have some fantastic caring volunteers. All we are asking for is your support to buy a few bits and bobs to run the project and commission the occasional tutor or professional craftsperson to run special projects in addition to the open access drop in sessions.
What those projects and sessions are will depend on what people need. They will range from some simple arts and crafts to learning how to save a fortune by creating restaurant quality meals from "foodbank essentials". The video slide show will give you an idea of what we have done in the past.
We will organise events and entertainments when lockdown restrictions are lifted including free cook and eat lunches with takeaways for those who cannot get out of their homes.
The main thing right now is to get the space prepared. This is where we need your help so we can do some work on the space, give it a lick of paint and get some basic equipment installed.
Then we can start to support those in need as soon as we can and then help people to re-connect with society when the worst of the pandemic has passed.
No one is looking for a free handout here. Those who benefit from our work tend to stay with us so they can help others like themselves and because we don't have any staffing costs or rent to pay, all the money we do manage to raise goes on projects that support people who need help. So, any support you can give us will be most appreciated by us all. Thank You.