A COMMUNITY centre has increasingly diversified its offer while retaining the magic that has enabled it to survive for almost 40 years.
Launched in a former school building in 1987, Newton Community Centre has become an integral part of Newtonian life as it aims to cater to everyone "from ages nought to ninety".
With a board of Trustees, four part-time staff, and 40 dedicated volunteers, the hub offers a huge schedule of activities throughout the week, which ranges from kids clubs and baby classes, to craft groups and history meetings, to yoga sessions and fitness classes, and much more.
There are also mental health meetings, skills and employment training, and a foodbank and community cafe housed at the Park Road South centre, and as Naoise Johnson-Martin explains, it is a place where you see magic and kindness every day.
READ > Landlady 'loving every minute' after taking over vibrant community pub
Speaking about the centre, part-time staffer Naoise said: "We do see ourselves as a real community hub here, that is a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
"We try to offer something for everyone, from ages nought to ninety, but one of our overarching aims is to combat loneliness and social isolation.
"That's why we have our community cafe, which we see as the centre's first port of call, to encourage people to pop in for a chat and something to eat or drink.
"The cafe is always open for people, and we also have a 'Pay it Forward' offer where people can take a ticket from the board and have a free meal, paid for by one of our guests or volunteers."
After joining the team in 2019, Naoise said that the focus on combatting loneliness came as an increasing number of people were attending the centre in need of support, particularly after the isolating period of the pandemic.
This is why the activities and relationships at the centre are so important, Naoise said, as the schedule offers opportunities for people to get out and socialise in the community, while staff can signpost people to external partners for further help if necessary.
And while there can be funding challenges and complications with hiring out rooms, Naoise said that the centre's reputation seems to be continually growing, with increasing numbers wanting to volunteer or use the facilities.
Naoise added: "In 2015, there was a community funding campaign to keep the centre alive, and ever since then, and particularly after covid, I think people realised how important places like this are.
"There are fewer and fewer community centres like this, so we cater for people all across the borough, and it's here where you see the everyday acts of kindness that reaffirms your faith in people.
"That is the magic of the community centre and hopefully we'll be here for another 30 years to come."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here