Shildon People’s Centre
Shildon Peoples Centre was formed in 2007 by a local group of volunteers with the aim to promote the well-being of the broad community based in and around Shildon, to aid further education, cultural, social and physical welfare, and to foster a spirit of mutual service and friendship.
An independent registered charity, it is non-party political, non-sectarian and non-discriminatory.
We aim to provide services for the Shildon Community and the surrounding area, run by volunteers and involving local organisations regardless of age, race or social background.
Our educational program works closely with those who experience social isolation, have disabilities or special needs or long term employability issues. Education and self-development courses are run regularly for improving employability, personal development and enjoyment. Courses range from basic computing skills, to cake decorating, languages to arts and crafts. We regularly work with people who English is a second language offering recognised ESOL qualifications in numeracy and literacy.
Professional Support and Youth workers, qualified teachers and trained Counsellors provided by outside agencies support our work with an emphasis on social inclusion.
The Centre is open on a daily basis to support those who need it most. Due to its central location, the Centre is well known to the residents of Shildon and people from all areas and backgrounds, people feel comfortable and safe using their Centre.
The Centre continually develops and evolves to serve the needs of the people.
We also provide a one-stop shop for information and referrals whilst supporting voluntary and community groups in the town.
The People’s Centre provides activities and services for everyone.
There are Youth sessions held at the Centre after school, during term time for young people aged 11 to 19 years, activities are also organised during school holidays on a daily basis, co-ordinated by three qualified Youth Workers.
Our History Recall Society run by Allan Elwood is a thriving club that meets each week to talk about the old days, share information and information from Shildon’s Past.
We provide Drug and Alcohol Counselling with the help of NECA (North East Council on Addictions), whilst local umbrella organization CAVOS works with us to the help those who are interested in volunteering themselves.
Our local Tearaways Drama Group, run by Derek Robinson provides Children with the opportunity to learn new skills, from performing, presenting and back room activities in the production of regular plays and musicals.
The hub of the Centre is the Café which provides a vital social gathering place for residents, particularly those who are vulnerable because of age, health, low income or disability. The cafe provides economical home cooked meals and refreshments during the day and is used by community groups on evenings and most weekends. We provide training to all our volunteers, all are qualified to stage II Food Safety. Advice is given on healthy eating and cooking techniques.
The need for our Café cannot be overestimated in an area of Social Deprivation and very poor health. We provide not only nutritious meals, but the opportunity to share experiences and best practice on healthy eating. The main point is we provide a service no one else does in the town and provide for those who would not always be welcome elsewhere.
We have an active over 60′s club every Tuesday where everyone is welcome to a bite to eat, Tombola or just to chat.
The Centre is a registered charity, working with people from every walk of life and every background. Our range of users varies from all ethnic backgrounds, abilities, needs and disabilities, the Centre is always fresh and alive and able to respond to what our community wants and needs. During our first two years, we have worked with people from every area and background of Society – including many people, new to the town from places as diverse as China, Africa, Thailand, Russia and the former Eastern Bloc Countries. The Centre has helped to develop their language skills and personal development, and also to help people integrate within the Shildon community.
