CISWO are pleased to have supported Easington Social Welfare Centre in the North East by providing a £25,000 grant to cover the cost of much needed emergency roof repairs to protect this valuable community space.
Built in 1934, the centre has stood at the heart of the mining community in Easington since its construction, supporting the welfare and social activities of former mining families and the wider community.
With open membership for local residents, the facility provides a wide range of recreational and social activities including dance and keep fit classes, friendship groups, regular music nights and activities for children and families. The historic building also houses an impressive wooden sprung dance hall which holds up to 350 people and is widely used for classes, activities and function hire for weddings and celebrations.
CISWO have been working closely with the welfare for the last two and a half years, providing guidance and support to the Trustees around governance, sustainability and funding. The Trustees are working tirelessly to make improvements to the building and to continue to find ways to ensure the future of the charity so that it continues to service the local community. In addition to the recreational activities the centre provides, they are working with other local organisations to offer opportunities for training and education and hosting drop-in sessions with a local housing association, providing a safe and warm space during colder months.
Following a roof survey in 2024, it was identified that urgent repairs were needed to prevent collapse and significant internal damage to other parts of the building.
Funding from CISWO has allowed essential repair work to be undertaken, making the building safe and watertight, allowing areas of the building to be brought back into use and has protected this well-loved building for use by future generations.
Lynn Dodds, Chair of Trustees at Easington, said: ““As the hub of a former coal mining community, the support we receive from CISWO is vital for the centre to continue the work we do with our residents. They have been a vital contributor to our community over the years. The funding we received will ensure we can bring two rooms back into use, helping us to deliver services this community desperately needs. Thank you, CISWO, for all your support.”
Nicola Didlock, Chief Executive at CISWO, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support the Trustees at Easington Social Welfare Centre to protect this community space which is such an important and valued part of the former mining community in Easington. We recognise the hard work and dedication of the Trustees and look forward to further supporting them in the future as they continue to develop this well-loved facility.”
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