About Us
The Weir Link is a community-led organisation that has been passionately driving re-generation since 2003.
It aims
· to provide much-needed sustainable community services by working with expert partner organisations
· to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of individuals and their families
· to bridge divides within the community
After over five years of community consultation, planning and fundraising, a purpose built, well-designed building was opened in June 2008, replacing a derelict laundry not used as a community centre since 1974. The Weir Link Community and Children’s Centre was established and opened for business in September 2008.
From the start, The Weir Link has aimed to be far more than just a building. It exists to serve and build the wider community, crossing cultural and age divides. It is about the support of the family in its widest possible definition. It is about inclusion and a welcome for those who feel at the margins of society. It is about building up individuals as well as the wider community, supporting and training in new skills; it is about a place where everyone will be valued and encouraged and where the diversity of the local community will be cherished and enjoyed.
The building is symbolic of the hopes of the community, providing a new start and a place of warm welcome. It is a place where past frustrations and discouragement are being turned into a realisation that positive change is possible both for the individual and community. The Weir Link is about people first and foremost. In providing the focus for renewal, the project is about enhancing and changing people’s lives; it is about celebrating the communities that exist in this area and forging new links. In building a symbol of hope The Weir Link is making the changes that lead to a more inclusive, safer and stronger community.
The Weir Link aims to be a vibrant focal point and community facility, providing a range of activities and serving to link all sections of the community, including different age, ethnic and faith groups. It aims to be financially sustainable and to provide a venue for the following activities:
· Education and training
· Health and community safety workshops
· Art / Craft workshops and exhibitions
· After school/holiday clubs/youth activities
· Local housing/councillor/MP/advice surgeries
· Meeting place for older people
· Community space for hire e.g. children’s parties, rehearsals / meetings
Today The Weir Link is proudly home to a nursery for children from birth to 5 years old, provided by Leyf, and provides a space for students at Nido Volans Lambeth (formerly The Michael Tippet College ) and the ‘Bridge to Work’ programme.
The Weir Link is committed to being transparent and sharing information with interested parties. If you would like to know more about our organisation, how we operate and our plans for the future, please contact hello@theweirlink.org.uk. Our annual reports are available on the UK Charity Commission website here.
Management Structure
The Staff and Trustees
The centre has a Centre Director, a Facilities & Bookings Co-ordinator and an Activities & Events Co-ordinator who work with the Trustees on the expansion of activities, strategic development and sustainability.
The Weir Link is managed by and for local people. Currently there are six trustees but a recruitment drive is underway for more Trustees as The Weir Link plans to expand its activities. The Trustees are responsible for the building, finances, strategic planning, staffing and delivering service contracts.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Trustees or becoming a Trustee at The Weir Link, please contact us.