We declare this Community centre open

Refurb work draws to a close

Well the re-opening of the Community Centre looms - after weeks of work the excitement of seeing the refurb in full is mounting.

Quite seriously, the need for a proper lick of paint and the toilets being sorted out was pretty obvious.

5th September is the advertised date and whilst it might slip a couple of days it will be good to get it open and operational again.

It's good advice...

Funding and supporting our work

All the activities and services referred to above have continued to function due to the continued financial support from trusts, fund-raising and income from fees.

A staff team is employed comprising the Centre co-ordinator, deputy co-ordinator and 8 part-time workers: market organiser, two over 60’s workers, cleaner, three playworkers and an under 5’s group organiser.

The building is used to capacity for the Centre’s own groups, which prevents any increase in numbers attending (waiting lists are maintained). Some services have however expanded in terms of opening hours when possible.

Temporary workers are employed during school holidays for the playschemes when needed.
Several volunteers provide invaluable assistance within the core activity groups. The Centre co-ordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Centre and it’s employees. The co-ordinator reports to the management committee at its meetings. The committee makes decisions on any organisational changes and has to authorise all financial transactions.

The Centre continually assesses activities and services through specific assessment processes and detailed consultation exercises with all groups directly run by the Centre. Regular consultation meetings are held for the majority of services and user satisfaction surveys and questionnaires are undertaken on a regular basis, results are made available to all the users and meetings organised to assess the findings. A full user survey is carried out every year.

The Centre works in cooperation with many organisations including: Camden Playservice, Social Services, local voluntary groups, local schools, Royal Free Hospital, day centres, sheltered accommodation, Age Concern, PLA, Camden Arts Centre, libraries and doctors.

An amazing range of services and activities

The Centre aims in accordance with the organisations objectives to make the following overall and specific differences to the lives of residents living in Camden:

• Reduce isolation and promote stimulating activity for older people
• Improve peoples access to safe, stimulating care for children aged 5-12
• Improve peoples access to advice, information, support, counselling and advocacy
• Improve peoples access to meeting space for voluntary and community groups
• Promote and support healthy living for the elderly and other groups, including the provision of an outdoor produce market for the locality
• Increase creative play opportunities for children under 5 and support to their parents/carers

These differences have been achieved by the provision of activities and services that include:

• Over 60's club and events
• Christmas Day Lunch event (inc. transport) for older people on their own
• Under 5’s: - 3 morning session parent/carer with toddler groups, all extended to 9.30-12.30 in January 2007 due to demand
• After School Club Playcentre (5-12's) - Term-Time Monday - Friday
• Summer Playscheme (5-12's): 4 weeks (August)
• Easter Playscheme (5-12’s): 2 weeks
• Half-term Playschemes (5-12’s): May, October and February
• 2 Under 5’s music sessions
• Community Counselling Sessions
• Camden Councillor Advice Surgery
• Community support groups, local leisure groups, language classes, art classes, and special events such as recycling events, crime prevention displays/stalls, public meetings and community consultation meetings.