There’s plenty going on at Health For All Beeston Village Community Centre, and the building is busy with community groups seven days a week.
The purpose built Community Centre, which was funded by the National Lottery, has two large upstairs and downstairs halls, and both are in use by community groups, exercise classes, and community projects.
After struggling during the pandemic, the building reopened to the public in July 2021 and is now in constant use.
As well as exercise classes (‘Exercise 55+ with Julie Gill’ on Mondays & Fridays at 9:30, phone Julie 07783 786776, and Kushal Zindagi women only exercise on a Wednesday – phone Bally for more info on 07590 182627) – the centre has Elders groups, social groups for parents (Happy Global Families on Mondays and Happy Families for Chinese Mums on Fridays) and a wellbeing coffee morning for adults on a Wednesday (Everyday Life, 9-11am Wednesdays – phone Claire 07498 958550)
Volunteers have been essential in getting the centre open safely and bringing groups back. As well as working on reception and running groups, volunteers also support the centre’s Food Pantry, which reduces food waste by distributing food to local families at affordable prices.
The Food Pantry works on a membership basis and is open on a Thursday. Centre Manager Toshal Bhatia says,
“We did not ever think the centre would become a food outlet, but we have responded to local need to help people access food and stay connected.”
In November, the centre will open a ‘chatty café’ on a Thursday morning which will give centre users the chance to get out and have a friendly chat, and practise their English. For more information about the ‘chatty café’, or about volunteering at the centre or joining the Food Pantry, phone Sarah on 07498 734603.
Meanwhile for children, the centre also hosts a youth club, a karate club, and Brave Words Youth Theatre, all of which are open to new members. For information on any of the activities at the centre, phone the centre on (0113) 271 7231 or pop in to pick up a ‘What’s On’ Guide.
This post was written by Sarah Bradley-Adam
Main photo: Chinese elders Moon Dancing in the hall
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