Introduction
The New Dragon Centre is a unique response to the diverse needs of urban community life. The services accommodated will fill the gaps that have been identified by the community itself. The needs of the under 5's, the elderly, the unemployed and the youth will all be addressed in the way that people affected have said, would be the most meaningful. With the Church of St. George's Hanworth Park at its heart, the project represents a significant example of self-help in a deprived area of multiple disadvantage, often in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The revenue costs - those which undermine the efforts of so many other good causes - will be met in an innovative way, combining commercial good sense with social endeavour, as detailed in the business plan. The need is for one-off capital to enable the building itself, and so to house the services, which will make a lasting impact in our community, and this will serve as an example of good practice for others to follow. We need to raise £3M.
Already, land worth £250,000 has been made available. Planning permission has been granted and architects plans have been completed.
A pilot scheme for the main building (Phase I) has been completed at a cost of £200,000 and provides additional accommodation.
Counselling; nursery provision; law centre; work with school refusers and homework centre; services for the elderly; youth work; family care; multi provision health clinic; these are just some of the many facilities to be made availble in this area of social exclusion in Phase II.
A current provision - in a small wooden building - already exists, that the New Dragon Centre will replace - we have proved that we can provide the services. The time has come to build and to expand!
The New Dragon Centre will create up to 59 new jobs - providing new opportunities for local people to both gain from and contribute to their community. Employment related training will provide opportunities for the unemployed (16 places), leading to nationally recognised qualifications.
St. George's Church, Hanworth Park has a history, dating back to 1293, of working in the community. It established the first school in the area. It initiated and still operates youth and community facilities. The New Dragon Centre is an essential continuation of St. George's long tradition of service.
