Warwickshire CAVA has today announced it has been awarded £93,000 from the Heart of England Community Foundation to make essential capital improvements to its Nuneaton community centre, the Newtown Centre, via funding from the Warwickshire County Council Social Impact Fund.
The Newtown Centre hosts over 20 regular activities, and welcomes over 1,000 visitors each week, from NHS blood clinics and eye screening, dancing, cooking and life skills workshops, to those exploring volunteering opportunities, social groups and IT classes.
The Centre is owned by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council but is independently managed by local charity Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA), whose role it is to help and support community groups and voluntary organisations to achieve the best outcomes for our residents, as well as those wanting to volunteer to make a difference in communities.
Alison Thompson, Area Manager for CAVA said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding, the Centre is nearly 60 years old and has been creaking at the seams for a long time. The roof has had so many leaks it’s going to be relief to be able to put the buckets away once and for all. The other changes we are making will improve the environment and energy consumption which will in turn hopefully reduce some of our running costs.
“We’ll be able to turn these savings into improving our support to the local voluntary and community sector, reducing isolation and improving the wellbeing of local residents through community activities such as support groups, exercise classes and training.”
The CAVA team will be working with colleagues at the Borough Council to ensure the improvements to the Centre meet all building and safety requirements.
Andrew Gabbitas, Chair of Warwickshire CAVA said: “Thanks to Warwickshire County Council the improvements to the Newtown Centre will make such a difference to people across Nuneaton and Bedworth, especially at a time when the Centre has played such a crucial role to residents throughout COVID.
“The Newtown provides a valuable connection between health and wellbeing services and the community, building on the strengths that already exist, to improve peoples’ lives; I am looking forward to seeing the difference the funding will make.”
Tina Costello, Chief Executive at Heart of England Community Foundation, said:
“Building relationships with local authorities in the geography we cover is so important to deliver funding programmes such as the Warwickshire Social Impact Fund. We’re thrilled to be able to support WCAVA who in turn support grassroots groups and charities across the County! This grant will help towards the refurbishment of their Newtown Centre which will allow vulnerable residents to enjoy their time in safe, fit for purpose surroundings.”
