Local Member of Parliament, Kate Kniveton, visited Uttoxeter Heath Community Centre on Tuesday 13th February to meet with volunteers and to see the services residents can access.
Ms Kniveton was joined by Uttoxeter Town Councillor, Mark Crutchley, to meet the driving force and Chairperson of the Community Centre, Mary Dodgson. The local MP was shown around all the facilities and explained how the community centre operates as a foodbank with donations from local supermarkets.
Ms Dodgson also highlighted to the MP that they are working on several partnership projects, including recently with the national charity MIND to help support those struggling with mental health in the area.
In addition, the Centre provides things to do for local youngsters with a half-term kids’ club, offering hot lunches and activities during the school holidays. The scheme is being overseen and supervised by Emily, the centre Manager.
As part of the local MP’s visit, Ms Kniveton was also given a tour of the Centre’s community garden, providing fresh produce but also a space for children to enjoy. The focal piece of the garden is the "reading onion", an onion-shaped piece of furniture made of willow, where the children can sit and listen to a story.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“I was delighted to visit Uttoxeter Heath Community Centre and meet with Mary, Emily and the rest of the dedicated team there who do an incredible job at supporting local residents in so many ways.
“The Centre really is an amazing place and all the team have so much enthusiasm for helping others and creating a safe environment. I want to thank all those who I met and look forward to visiting again soon.”
