ChangeUp kick-started the funding process... It started a chain reaction! Knox Daniel, Ealing Community Resource Centre Manager.
Ealing’s Community Resource Centre offers strategic direction as well as a roof and facilities
29/06/2007
Charities using a London Resource Centre are sharing more than facilities and a single Roof... they are also sharing the solid foundations of strategic direction and teamwork
Ealing Community Resource Centre opened in 2007, and within weeks the £5 million purpose-built centre had become home to 14 diverse charities – all sharing accommodation, facilities, expertise and inspiration to help achieve a common goal.
Uniting local charities
Thanks to Capacitybuilders and a ChangeUp grant of £75,500, the charities – including Ealing Council for Voluntary Service, Ealing Mencap, Ealing Racial Equality Council, Age Link, Ealing Centre for Independent Living and the Rachael’s Children’s Trust – now have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
State-of-the-art facilities
The centre is modern, professional and well-equipped, boasting private interview rooms, training and meeting rooms, laptops, projectors, whiteboards, photocopiers, hot-desking facilities and IT infrastructure, including Internet access and digital telephone system.
Working together
But the partnership offers more than access to facilities. It also means that the charities can achieve economies through joint purchasing, and also share ideas, inspiration and learn from each other’s experiences.
Expert support available to all
They also have the benefit of expert support from Resource Centre Manager Knox Daniel who, holds an MBA in Voluntary Sector Management to work strategically.
Additional funding helps to secure new job role
The centre recently was successful in securing funding from City Bridge Trust and appointed a development worker, who will be responsible for helping the charities develop strategic partnerships, a co-operative purchasing scheme, purchase equipment, stationary supplies and Joint Funding bids.
Helping to leverage new funds
And as Knox explained, the ChangeUp funding has enabled the Centre and the charities it houses to leverage further funds, from supporters including the Big Lottery, Bridge House Trust, City Parochial, City Bridge Trust, Ealing & Brentford Consolidated Charities and British Airways Authorities.
Positive chain reaction
“ChangeUp kick-started the funding process and enabled us to lever in more money. It started a chain reaction!” he said.
Planning for the future
The Centre aims to be financially self-sustaining in five years, with plans to purchase the building and make it a community-owned asset.
Organisations wishing to be housed at the centre pay a licence and enter into a licence agreement – different to a conventional tenancy.
All under one roof
The centre currently houses: Action Acton, Age Link, All Afghan Association, CASH Community Accountancy Project, Ealing Centre for Independent Living, Ealing Community & Voluntary Service, Ealing Community Network, Tide Training, Ealing Mencap, Ealing Racial Equality Council, Footsteps, Rachel’s Children’s Trust, and Third Age Foundation.
Spreading their wings
But as these organisations grow in strength, the aim is that they move out into their own premises, vacating space for new organisations needing the Centre’s support to become established.
Exceeding expectations
And it doesn’t look as though there will be any shortage of groups wanting to move in. After nine years on the drawing board, it was hoped that the Centre would be 90% occupied within a year – however, after just three months, there are only five permanent desk spaces left, attracting applications from nine organisations. An independent panel is now assessing the applicants.
Achievements
In the meantime the Centre is already celebrating success in four key areas:
Shaping communities
An award-winning online project allows Voluntary and Community Sector Groups (VCS) to have a greater input in major physical planning developments – ensuring VCS organisations have a say in shaping their communities.
Practical advice about premises and related issues
A VCS Premises Advice and Information Pack gives advice and information on leases and licences, insurance issues, health and safety and disability access issues.
Sourcing premises available for rent
VCS Groups can now be rewarded by acting as ‘eyes and ears’ in identifying potential premises for other groups – with the compilation of an online Community Premises Directory. The directory lists over 100 local premises available to rent in an area where it is notoriously difficult to find accommodation.
Working towards a common goal
And finally, the development of Ealing VCS Strategy – helping local groups to work collectively and cohesively towards a common goal.
Simple bonus
However, for many of the Centre’s residents it’s simply a bonus to have suitable accommodation.
Looking ahead
In the future, the Centre will help many more local charities to become established and in the meantime, is working with Thames Valley University Business School towards implementing business sponsorship deals – giving a further boost to its funding.
