Abbey Community Centre operates in South Westminster and includes some of the poorest areas in England. Tachbrook and Churchill Gardens Wards are in the top 20% most deprived on the Index of Deprivation (English indices of deprivation from the Department for Communities and Local Government, 30.9.2015). Our aim is to build a community that is fulfilling its potential; mentally and physically healthier; better skilled; civically engaged and cohesive.
We provide volunteering opportunities, support services and community forums for BME groups, older people, the homeless, children and families and the unemployed. We have a reputation as an organisation that champions the rights of socially excluded people and provides forums for their voices. 3,000 residents are supported each year; 13,467 annual attendances across projects; 1094 attendances at one-off events; and 776 discounted lunches provided to older people. We host 26 community organisations. Our services improves the physical and mental health and learning of our community.
COMMUNITY: We are the recognised community hub for South Westminster. With a large outreach team and over 3,000 services-users we reach the most disadvantaged people in our community. 13,467 annual attendances across our programmes, 1094 attendances at one-off events, 776 discounted lunches provided to vulnerable older people each year. Our low-cost Community Hub café brings together people from diverse communities. We host and support 26 community organisations and run South Westminster Action Network that brings together local organisations across sectors to promote joint working.
VOLUNTEERING/EMPLOYABILITY:•Run South Westminster Time Bank. 284 Volunteers exchange 1149 hours. •Provide training, employability and up skilling workshops including English pronunciation, ESOL, CV writing. • Volunteer placements. • Accredited courses in community interpreting, fitness instruction, culinary arts. • Provide paid work in our catering, conferencing and child care social enterprises.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING: •On site and outreach health programmes for people at high risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity and mental illness. Activities include exercise, arts, cookery, gardening & dance classes. • Health and wellbeing activities for people recovering from mental health conditions in partnership with SMART and SHP.
HOMELESSNESS: We run Westminster Rough Sleepers Partnership, coordinating service providers across sectors to provide food, shelter, support to rough sleepers.
