Community Project to go

The extensive outbuildings at the site of the All Saints Church on Raleigh St., near the Arboretum, have since 1988 been the home of the All Saints Community Care Project (under various guises). The project provides a drop-in service which is open to all people over 16 years of age, and particularly welcomes those who may consider themselves vulnerable and/or have a history of difficulties with mental health. Open six days a week as well as two evenings, the A.S.C.C.P is a hive of activity, where people can go to socialise, talk, seek advice -or simply sit in silence, knowing they are safe and warm. Staff and volunteers work together to provide good food at a low cost, and welcome visitors by serving them tea and coffee. All Saints' sessions offer stimulation and variety, from expressive arts and crafts workshops, to weekly pool competitions and regular trips to places of therapeutic natural interest. Service users also maintain and cultivate their own garden, the 'Raleigh Street Oasis', where they grow vegetables for sale/consumption.

The A.S.C.C.P.'s management recently made a decision to close the project, citing a lack of long-term financial support as the reason for the closure. There are several stakeholders (these include NDC, Social Services and Nottingham City Primary Care Trust) who have provided regular funding, but this remains insecure. A.S.C.C.P have not suffered a loss of support, but staff are seemingly frustrated at the number of hours spent filling out applications for funds, from the same funders, for short-term bursaries. Some negotiations have occurred recently, but the threat of closure stills stands, imminent and looming. The management have openly admitted that the project has enough money to stay open until well into next year, but seemingly considerations are being made of the costs of closing such a project down. Salaries for All Saints' twelve or so employed staff account for around 70 to 75 percent of their outgoings.

Service Users are generally dismayed at the impending loss of what is for many, the hub of their social lives. The services are invaluable to them and for some members the threat of closure may pose a serious challenge to their feelings of stability living in the community. Others have tried to actively campaign to save the project, and created a petition to 'Save All Saints'. But it seems they may not have had the appropriate support.

There is still the opportunity to visit All Saints before it closes. There is also the possibility of preventing the closure, but the project's future can only be assured if enough people become involved to support those who want to save it.

irisisaflower gmail.com


A couple of key dates, as publicised by All Saints:

November 9th (11-2)
'Show of Support' event

November 30th (11-2)
Party
(Closure)