A day centre in Manningtree has received a £25,000 boost to help it continue and develop into a multi-use community facility.

The site, which is based at Foundry Court and run by Essex County Council (ECC) and Colne Housing, has received the vital cash injection from Tendring District Council's (TDC) Big Society Fund.

The award will also help to ensure that the Foundry Court Lunch Club which helps to get more vulnerable and isolated people into the centre where they will engage with and receive services from other agencies will continue to have a base to operate from.

It is the 15th successful award under the Big Society Fund and takes the total awarded so far to £148,299.

The aim is to make Foundry Court community led and co-ordinated through a partnership formed from local individuals and community groups as well as ECC and TDC officers and landlord Colne Housing.

The partnership identified that the only way to develop the facility would be to appoint a dedicated co-ordinator to research and prepare a business case and plan.

The £25,174 is for one year during which time the person will be expected to develop a business plan for the building.

They will also identify where gaps in current provision can be met and maximise income from the communal areas, leading to sustainability for a centre co-ordinator to take over once the Big Society funding ceases.

Clare Lawrance, Supported Housing Manager for Colne Housing Society, is delighted with the news.

"The Big Society funding, so generously awarded by TDC, complements other funding commitments from the local Parish Councils and the Friends of Foundry Court charity," she said.

"We're also supporting the project providing some funding and employing the new Centre Development Officer. There's real enthusiasm from the local community and we can't wait to get started!"

Peter Halliday, TDC's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said the Big Society Fund panel was delighted to approve the award to Foundry Court Day Centre.

"This vital injection of funds will ensure that a number of vulnerable people will continue to benefit from activities such as the lunch club as well as see services extended from the site," he said.
"It will help to provide a business case and plan for development for this community facility for the future."

So far TDC has received 97 applications to the Big Society Fund, of which 25 have been given the all-clear to progress to the final stage of consideration.

The Council set aside £500,000 for the Big Society Fund which went live in March.

The aim of the fund is to help voluntary groups and organisations to deliver projects with significant community benefits, help ensure their long-term sustainability or save the Council money.

It is not designed to augment income that would offset ongoing revenue costs.

All the information about the scheme and how to get started is available on the Big Society page.

21/12/11