Rucstall Community Association have some exciting news!

After many years of managing the community centre and several attempts to recruit new trustees, we have had to review our current management practice.

The trustees have had extensive conversations with a neighbouring community association to see how we can work together to provide public benefit to local residents.

The trustees believe the best option for residents of Black Dam is to join forces with Viables Community Association, who have the same charitable objects for our area, so more activities and services are available to you.

This proposal was formally agreed at the EGM on Thursday 5th September 2024.

Viables Community Association already runs Viables and Roger Morris community centres in our ward and have a vast program of activities available, see their website for more information: viables.org.uk

Rucstall Community Association will close the charity and transfer the assets to Viables Community Association and our trustees invited to join the board of trustees to help direct and shape the services delivered from the Rucstall Community Centre.  This will mean that there are dedicated and experienced staff that can engage with our community to establish the needs of residents and then set about organising and delivering the services and activities that are needed to make our lives better.  The Rucstall Community Centre is a fabulous facility that has long been under utilised and residents have had to go further afield to access services to help them in their day to day lives.  The team of staff and volunteers will bring that to our doorstep!

There are already plans underway to reconfigure the former lounge area so it is a self-contained room that can be used for a whole host of activities and a great space for local residents to hire for childrens parties etc.  Plans for regular social events are also in motion and work around creating a small community cafe in the reconfigured space has started.  The team are also putting together an engagement plan so that all the residents in Black Dam can let them know what services they feel would benefit there lives. They will be connecting with other stakeholders, such as the school, in the area to see how they can all work together to provide the most for the community.

Keep an eye out for more news and up and coming events!