Based in one of Dorset’s most disadvantaged areas, for over 15 years the Forum has run services and programmes supporting the local community from Park Community Centre, a fantastic facility at the heart of Weymouth’s Park District. Offering a warm space, activities and events in a friendly and welcoming, safe environment, the Forum’s new management, with the support of CAN’s Dorset Empower team, is looking to secure its future and extend its services.
Trustees Georgia Sugden and Victoria Hart, said: “CAN’s help has been invaluable on everything from our policies and procedures to developing our roles and knowledge as Trustees. Having access to expert support has been incredible. We now understand how our constitution relates to day-to-day operations which puts us in a much stronger position to help the community.”
Open daily 10am-12noon to anyone, the Centre is used at other times by groups for bowling, table tennis, yoga, art, knit and natter, book club and a Gateway club for adults with learning disabilities. It also hosts a wide range of community events.
Based in an area with high levels of need, the team is using support from Weymouth Town Council and CAN’s valuable networks to build connections with other organisations, using their expertise to help develop new services such as homework clubs, food education and cookery workshops.
Victoria, said: “Over the last few years the centre’s mainly been used by clubs, but it’s hidden away so not many people knew about it. It’s unusual to have such a fantastic space, right in the middle of the community that is flexible enough to cater to such a diverse range of groups and needs. We want to open it up to everyone in the area, encourage families and create a thriving hub providing much needed community support.”
Georgia, said: “It’s really such a happy space which delivers huge benefits for the local community, many of whom are re-discovering what’s here, which is wonderful. Anyone interested in supporting a great community centre, we are always looking for volunteers as well as Trustees to join the Board, so please get in touch.”
For more information about Waterside Weymouth Community Forum and Park Community Centre contact: enquiries@parkcommunitycentre.com