The Oakwood Hill Community Hall on Longcroft Rise in Loughton is a much-loved community hub for locals. Run by volunteers, the hall not only provides a meeting space for playgroups, holiday clubs and community services, it also acts as a valuable peer and community support network. In recent years, with the increasing cost of energy, the hall has also acted as a community ‘warm space’ open to all who need somewhere to keep warm over the cold winter months.
Restore Community Church is the current hall leaseholder and its through their dedicated volunteer team that they can deliver such a valuable asset to the local community. It’s by no means an easy job. There are the logistical challenges of organising a full programme of activities but also a financial challenge in ensuring the space is equipped to meet the needs of users.
Jo Mackey, Head of Operations at Restore, was delighted then to hear that her application for £4,400 from Qualis’ Community Benefit Fund was successful. The Fund is run in partnership with Epping Forest District Council and supports organisations, community groups and charities across the District who are making a positive difference in our community.
Jo applied to the Fund to install built-in, floor-to-ceiling storage within the hall. The hall was lacking in general storage space and with so much equipment needed to run community activities, it was a real challenge.
“We were thrilled to hear that our application was successful and that we would soon have the storage we so desperately needed,” said Jo.
The Community Benefit Fund judging panel, which comprises members form Qualis, Council, tenants and Councillors, were all too happy to approve the application.
“All of the judging panel recognise the value that Restore brings to the local community with both Qualis and EFDC regular users of the hall for housing tenant drop-in sessions,” said Qualis Property Solutions Managing Director Ben Johnson.
In-kind support adds more value
In addition to financial support, Qualis also offered its assistance with installing the storage. Our employees also volunteered their time to repaint the entire hall, giving the entire space a fresh new look and feel.
“All the staff at Qualis who helped out were so helpful and willing to get stuck in – that’s real community spirit – and it makes such a difference to what we’ve been able to achieve in a short space of time,” said Jo.
“Qualis is part of the local community and we all want to make a difference,” added Ben.
“This is just one example of many where we’re adding value across the District and we’re looking forward to supporting many more projects in the months ahead,” he added.
Apply for support today
Qualis’ Community Benefit Fund offers support from £500 to £5,000. The scheme is funded through the cost efficiencies that Qualis Property Solutions has achieved in the delivery of its core services. The savings are reinvested back into the community to benefit the whole community. Applications for funding are assessed by a panel of representatives from Qualis, the Council, housing tenants and Councillors throughout the year.
Find out more and apply here.
