The idea
After raising over £250,000 we have completed phase one of our ambitious SPACE project. We now have a bright warm Space to bring new life to the Suckley community. Next we need to provide 21st century facilities within the large well situated church building, offering our scattered rural community a much needed active hub, useful to all, and enabling the Space in Suckley Church to become again the active beating heart of village life. This next phase is for an accessible toilet with babychange and a kitchenette with mobile servery. Without these we cannot be looking after our 'Hands Face Space' needs, and it is particularly the elderly and the vulnerable who cannot engage with activities unless there is a loo too. The Good Neighbour Scheme support phoneline showed that it is particularly the elderly and vulnerable who feel isolated and lonely and yearn for opportunities to foster friendships and enjoy doing things in the company of others. This will make such a difference to lives.
What we'll deliver
- Put kitchen and toilet facilities in the church Space
- Enable the Space to be used by the elderly and vulnerable who can't come without facilities
- Connect those in our village who feel lonely or isolated
- Enable users of there Space to comply with 'Hands Face Space' guidelines when using the Space
- The village school will no longer need a spare member of staff for 'toilet duty'!
Why it's a great idea
An accessible toilet with hand washing facilities will enable the Space to be used safely by all. At present the needs of the very young, the elderly, and those with special needs are not being looked after.
The village primary school over the road needs 2 staff whenever they use the Space, because a loo visit occupies a staff member to return to school with the pupil!
A kitchenette with mobile servery will make it so much easier to do what we are struggling to do at present because we have no facilities at all and no running water.
Our annual FairTrade Fest is popular with all ages, but providing refreshments and offering lunch is very difficult!
Our annual BFG (Beer Food and Gifts) Fest is a celebration of Suckley Produce and talent, but we struggle to provide the necessary facilities for stallholders and the needs of attendees of all ages.
The Space is used for 'hatch match and despatch' occasions, and we have already held one 'Wake' in the Space! Facilities are so needed!
Steps to get it done
- Book a date for the builder to begin the work
- Inform potential users of finish date when facilities will be available
- Consult the head teacher about when the older pupils could be available for cross generational activities
- Consult those known to be lonely or isolated and ask what activities they would like
Suckley is in the lowest 5% in the UK in terms of 'barriers to services'.
The school head is keen to work with the Good Neighbour Scheme in organising cross-generational activities.The head says "It would also benefit the well-being of some of our children who require additional support for socially speaking and confidence".
Suckley Space will also be used by volunteers giving "Citizens Advice". Clients needing help are sometimes reluctant to seek Citizens Advice, and the lack of facilities is a significant disincentive.
