Community centre appeal hits halfway mark

A North Tyneside community centre is halfway towards its £12,000 fundraising target for an accessibility-focused refurbishment.

Meadow Well Connected, on Waterville Road, has now raised £6000 after receiving a £2000 grant from the Banks Community Fund.

Bosses hope to secure the remaining funding and complete the reception area transformation in time for a Christmas opening.

Plans include replacing the existing reception desk with a single-height, wheelchair-accessible curved counter, designed to make the space easier to navigate and allow staff and visitors to engage on an equal level.

Non-slip vinyl flooring will also improve safety and mobility, while walls, doors and frames will be repainted in three contrasting colours to support people with visual impairments.

Karyn Ainsley, chief officer at Meadow Well Connected, said: “Reception is naturally the first point of contact for our services and the experience that our visitors have there is key to creating the impression they get of who we are, what we do and how they’ll be looked after while they’re here.

“The building hasn’t had a great deal of work done to it since it first opened and it’s been increasingly clear that we needed to improve the reception area to make sure we have the facilities for all of our visitors.

“The work we have planned will make a massive difference to the centre’s environment and will mean we’re able to give the right sort of welcome to everyone who comes through our doors.

“This project represents a substantial and costly undertaking for a small community organisation like us, but we’ve had a great response to our fundraising campaign so far.

“Getting this sort of lump sum from the Banks Group is a real boost and will really help us build momentum towards achieving our final goal.”

Opened in 1994, Meadow Well Connected provides services and activities for residents of all ages, supported by around 40 local volunteers.

Its programme ranges from children’s clubs, sensory play and dance classes to adult day care, employability support, walking football and joinery workshops.

The centre also operates a community café and free IT suite, while its 3.5-acre community garden features beehives, a wildlife pond and areas where residents grow organic fruit and vegetables.

Additional support is provided for people experiencing food, fuel and digital insecurity.

Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: “Meadow Well Connected is at the very heart of its community and provides a wide range of opportunities which might otherwise remain out of reach to local people.

“We’re very glad to be able to get behind this important fundraising campaign and look forward to seeing the plans for its new reception being realised by the end of the year.”

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