Ten years ago the community in Malvern took on the challenge of taking over the old youth centre. In May we'll be celebrating by launching our 10th anniversary project - 'Give us a lift!' - fundraising for a platform lift to make the Cube accessible to all.
No-one could have predicted how successful Malvern Cube would become. Still volunteer led and self funded it has not only survived but thrived as a youth and community centre.
Fifty groups meet regularly at the Cube and many more people drop in to enjoy the cafe or gardens. We have music nights, sport, films and drama, and three resident theatre groups whose members are all ages and abilities. But there's a problem...
Just six steps separate the top and bottom levels of the building but for many of our users those six steps mean a trek outside and round the building to get to the cafe, meeting rooms and toilets. We think that everyone should be able to access and enjoy the Cube so please donate and help to 'Give us a lift!'
What we'll deliver:
- We'll install a platform lift between the lower and upper levels of the Cube
- We'll redecorate and modernise the foyer, stairway and lift area
Why it's a great idea:
Over 500 people use Malvern Cube each week. They come for clubs, meetings, classes, events and entertainment, as well as to enjoy our cafe and garden. Many of these people have problems with the six steps which separate the lower part of our building from the top floor. It means that people with mobility or sight problems, with prams and pushchairs or who need to carry bulky items up and down can't easily get between the levels. Most of the time it's simply annoying, involving a long walk outside and around the building to be able to get from one part to another, but sometimes it's a real problem. For those needing the disabled toilet or baby change areas it's difficult and undignified.
A platform lift will make a huge difference to us. By linking the top and bottom levels it will help our staff, volunteers, theatre performers and audiences and day to day users to independently get to all areas of the Cube; allowing more people to enjoy all that we have on offer.
.
Steps to get it done:
- Placing the order for the lift
- Preparation of space to receive lift (removal of stair, electrics etc.)
- Installing platform lift
- Redecorating and modernising the foyer area
- Opening the lift! (celebrating the first official use with those involved in the project)
We have a wonderful community of people who visit Malvern Cube and who come to the centre for volunteering, learning, friendship and support. We're also proud to host theatre and performance by abled and differently abled young people and adults, bringing significant challenges around mobility. If we can make Malvern Cube accessible to everyone we can grow this amazing community and reach out to even more people to become part of our Cube family.