A new community centre and support hub has been opened in Leyland, to help residents who are going through a tough time.
The Base II on Broadfield Drive, Leyland, opened on January 12, a few doors down from the existing community centre, The Base I, which has been running since 2018.
The new extension, which was part of a regeneration project, has been designed in consultation with residents after the existing centre had become too small to meet demand.
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The site will be able to provide new services including a community café and shop, a laundry facility to help with rising energy costs and a larger kitchen space to support eating and cooking sessions.
The Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Chris Lomax and director of Key Unlocking Futures attended the opening along with residents and organisations in the area.
The Base I, has been a lifeline for many residents and supported over 500 families with food poverty and social isolation.
One resident, Lou, said: “It has been great to see so many people turn up to the opening and hear how excited they are that it is now finished. I think the bigger space will encourage more people to get involved.
“The centre has been a saviour for me, and I wanted to give something back to my community, so I’m now starting to volunteer here three days a week and am really enjoying it.”
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Key Unlocking Futures, a Leyland-based charity giving support to those in need, runs the site which is being funded with investment made by South Ribble Borough Council, The Lancashire Environmental Fund, Key Unlocking Futures and Community Foundation Lancashire.
Director of Key Unlocking Futures, Ursula Patten, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support in helping to deliver The Base II.
“I would like to especially thank Andrea, our Youth and Community Worker whose passion, energy, and determination, along with our volunteers and residents, have helped bring this centre to life and continue to make a positive impact on the local community.
“This year will be our 30th anniversary, and opening The Base II is a great start to celebrating our work with the local community.”
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