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30 January 2024

£30K from our Community Fund helps transform disused gym into community hub cafe

Riverside news News article

Feedback from a customer survey undertaken as part of the Neighbourhood Plan for the Murdishaw Neighbourhood revealed that customers wanted more Community Events in the local area.

Riverside have worked closely with Onward Homes to support the launch of a local Community Venue.  A residents group came together and formed Gorsewood Green CiC and with support from Onward Homes, applied to the Riverside Foundation Community Fund for £30,000 to transform a disused boxing gym into a much-needed Community Cafe.A person speaks with a staff member seated behind an information table at a community event. A Riverside “Let’s Talk” banner stands behind the table, promoting support with money, energy, rent, training and jobs. Leaflets and branded items are displayed on the table.

After a successful funding application, the newly refurbished Tea Tree café opened its doors in November 2023.
 
Exterior of The Tea Tree Café building with a colourful graffiti-style mural. A sign on the front reads “The Tea Tree Café – A Murdishaw Community Project,” with trees and greenery visible around the building under a blue sky.

 Even though the venue has only been open for a couple of months, they are making great progress in providing a range of activities for residents, including Winter Warmth events, Breakfast with Santa and Makers Markets.  Future activities will include afternoon Tea sessions, cooking club, ‘warm space’ sessions to support fuel and food poverty initiatives, digital support sessions and a book lending library

A Neighbourhood Surgery has launched and operates every Wednesday morning 10-12pm (facilitated by both Onward and Riverside) giving local residents the opportunity to talk to housing officers regarding tenancy and neighbourhood issues.