£1m project launched in Newton Aycliffe

A £1m project to help the most vulnerable in Newton Aycliffe has been launched.

Work on the Lifeline Community Action Hub officially began this week after years of campaigning by the local neighbourhood policing team and other partners to create a one-stop space in the town for anyone who needs help, advice or support.

The Hub will be based at the former Woolworth’s store, in Beveridge Way, and offer vital services for those who need it.

The policing team will also have a touch-down area, enabling officers to be on-hand as well.

The community facility was made possible thanks to a £713,000 Government grant and a £200,000 donation from Freshwater Property Management.

Sergeant Andy Boyd said the project has been six years in the making and praised Lifeline Community Actions (LCA) for making the project possible after joining the steering group last year.

He said: “Newton Aycliffe has always been blessed with many amazing community and charity groups, but it has never had a premises that pulls them together.

“For a number of years now, the vision of the Neighbourhood Policing Team has been to secure a centrally located premises to house a vulnerability hub to service the community – a premises that everyone is aware of, knows its location, and can access whatever their dilemma.

“It’s been a honour for me to lead on this project, surrounded by passionate, dedicated and inspirational partners but special mention needs to go to Pauline Chambers of LCA who stepped in when it became clear that we needed an established group to breathe life into this project.

“Pauline has been truly inspirational in securing £1m of funding and taking this project from concept to reality. This premises, and the services it will provide, will save lives.”

The new hub will become LCA’s registered office and all of their charitable work will be delivered from the site.

More than 15 partner organisations have expressed an intention to deliver services from the hub too ensuring we are a one-stop shop that can support the community.

Ms Chambers, Executive Business Coordinator at LCA, added: “The new hub is a blessing for LCA as we currently operate from two sites and are restricted by space.

“Since being invited to lead the development, it has been a pleasure to work with Sgt Boyd and the fantastic group of people who sit on the development group and have been a huge support to us going through the process to get us where we are today.

“This building will enable us to support significantly more people not only in Newton Aycliffe but also across County Durham. The trustees, staff and volunteers are excited to see what we can all achieve.

Work has now begun on the building but the group are also appealing for any help with donations of fixtures and furnishings and still need to raise another £150,000 to complete the project in full.

If you would like to help or donate, call 07936431262 or email lifelinecommunityaction.co.uk