The Bridgend Organisation
“A Caring Community where everyone is Respected,Valued, Inspired and Encouraged to fulfil their Potential” |
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The Bridgend Centre is a home from home, non-threatening environment which offers befriending, a listening ear, information and support, craft activities for confidence-building and socialising and the opportunity to participate in fund-raising events. Endeavouring to revitalise the old community spirit, the Centre is open to all, whatever their circumstances, e.g. local people, tourists and visitors, retired, elderly and lonely, people with mental health problems, learning needs, physical disabilities, single parents and schoolchildren. Because the Centre is now an integral part of the village and plays an important role in so many people's lives, it is essential to ensure its long-term continuation.
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1990
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Foundation of the Bridgend Centre (know then as the Drop-In Centre) based at the Bollington Town Hall
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1990 – 1998
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Expansion of the Bridgend Centre facilities to include activities such as woodworking, pottery, photography and relaxation.
In 1998 a review to expand our services resulted in a three year plan to relocate to a more suitable premises that could accommodate our new services
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1998 - 2001
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Relocation to the ground floor of a derelict 16th C farmhouse and workshops. The initial conversion, supported by Cheshire Probation Service, took six months before the Centre could be open to the public, and then a further two years' renovation occurred.
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2001-2004
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Continuance of renovation and upgrading occurred. This was achieved by committed volunteering. New activities and projects were added to the weekly timetable. Through a three year tapered lottery grant received in 2002 and shortfall match funding, the Centre currently has four paid members of staff.
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2005 -2006
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During this period the Centre continued to develop. In March 2006 a third Lottery application was unsuccessful and other grant applications were also unsuccessful so the Centre was faced with the threat of closure by Christmas unless further funding was secured.
Trustees, staff and volunteers ran a campaign to build recurrent financial support from the community and local business. The local press supported the campaign by raising awareness of the Centre through regular articles and volunteers delivered leaflets to over 4,500 houses, asking for support. Within three months, the campaign had raised over £13,000 from individuals and companies and over £300 per month pledged by local people through standing orders.
Investigation into a Feasibility Study to set up a Social Enterprise arm was started.
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| 2007 |
New activities were instigated and a Business Plan and Marketing Plan were produced with the help of the Cheshire and Warrington Social Enterprise Partnership. In October 2007, The Bridgend Centre was launched as a Social Enterprise with the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, William Bromley Davenport officiating at the Opening Ceremony. A record £55,424 was raised through trading activities, donations and fundraising events, resulting in the Centre reaching over 50% self sufficiency for the first time.
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2008 Plans are in place to redevelop the Charity Shop and the marketing
of online courses.
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