A new community centre in Chester has received a £20,000 funding boost from Postcode Community Trust, a grant giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Staff at St. Mary’s Handbridge Centre, which opened in June this year, will use the funding to realise one of its key design features by purchasing an acoustic folding screen room divider. The centre provides space for a wide array of groups to meet, from mother and toddler groups to the upcoming Harvest barn dance and lunch clubs for the elderly. This purchase will enable the centre to meet the needs of the community by ensuring that different events and activities can take place at the same time within the space without disruption.
A cafe area is also planned, providing local residents and centre users alike with a much desired space for meeting and socialising.
Ted Graham, a churchwarden at St. Mary’s and the man behind the funding application, was joined by local MP for the City of Chester Chris Matheson as he received the cheque from People’s Postcode Lottery’s head of public affairs, Malcolm Fleming on Tuesday 18 September, 2018 at the community centre.
Ted said: “Receiving this award of £20,000 will make a massive difference to the way that our fantastic new community centre can be used and will allow us to accommodate more groups than would otherwise have been the case. We have groups that do yoga, dance, the WI, the local councillor has held meetings here , and the NHS use it for mental health meetings. Before this, it was one room and there was far more demand for the space. This is twice the size with a large hall and two community rooms. Theres also a playgroup room with an outside area. ” The new centre has been funded from various sources including private donations and a huge fundraising effort from the parishioners and local community”
Speaking at the event, Chris Matheson said: “On behalf of the local community in Handbridge and Chester, I would like to thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery for this award from Postcode Community Trust. By purchasing this essential piece of equipment and creating a café, this funding will go a long way to addressing the needs of the community and in helping to reduce social isolation by bringing people together. This community asset has already shown important it is to the people of Handbridge and beyond. Ted Graham and the team have done a fantastic job and its a great community facility.”
Malcolm Fleming , explained that the Lottery has so far raised over £330 million for good causes. “People’s Postcode Lottery players make a huge difference to charities large and small across the country, so it’s great to get a chance to visit Handbridge Community Centre and hear about the difference this funding will make.
“People’s Postcode Lottery is calling on the U.K. Government to update the charity lottery fundraising limits so even more local charities can benefit.”
For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.ukor Facebook and Twitter
The Chester blog 