Part of the core business of the Framwellgate Moor Community Centre, a charity launched in the late 1960s, provides “wellbeing” activities for local people struggling with loneliness, mental health issues and social isolation.
But, in an average week, another 500 to 1,000 people pass through its doors, to take up education, learning, leisure, sport, fitness and cultural activities offered by a range of approved organizations whose hire of the three main halls and four meetings rooms provides vital income.
With a part-time staff of four, supported by six volunteers, the centre is also regularly used for coffee mornings and other highlights including a Christmas Fayre and refreshments following the Remembrance Day Parade.
Secretary Peter Sykes explained: “Over the past few months it has been discouraging to find we are missing out on potential hall hirings because we are unable to offer those enquiring the latest technology needed to support their work. This is almost entirely down to the inflexibility of our existing equipment and the same problem has also affected receipt of grants for specific projects.”
The solution, provided by way of a £5,000 gift from the freemen’s charitable trust, covers the cost of new mobile smart screen technology, the installation of electronic sockets in every hall and room and secure storage for the equipment.
“What we will now have at our disposal a lasting facility which will significantly improve the centre’s attractiveness to current and potential users. We are immensely grateful to the Freemen and their generosity will be marked with a plaque displayed permanently in our premises,” added Peter.
Eric Bulmer, chairman of the charitable trust, said: “We are delighted to support a dedicated group of volunteers who are providing a wonderful environment in which the local community can benefit greatly from a wide range of activities.”