Oldbury learning centre opens thanks to Lottery windfall (From Halesowen News)

Oldbury learning centre opens thanks to Lottery windfall

5:12pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News

A £400,000 community learning centre at an Oldbury school, made possible thanks largely to Lottery funding after extended services were axed in budget cuts, has been officially opened.

Sandwell Mayor Councillor Keith Davies was on hand to perform the honours at the SinglePoint community hub at Christ Church school yesterday (Wednesday).

It will offer services for children and families such as after school and holiday clubs, childcare, and IT sessions and will be run as a partnership between Christ Church, St Francis Xavier, Langley and Rood End primary schools.

The National Lottery Reaching Communities programme provided £350,000 for the scheme, with the four schools putting in £50,000.

Staff at Christ Church submitted a bid for lottery funding after consultation with families in order to continue services provided under the Extended Schools scheme, which ceased due to Government funding cuts.

Eve Loveridge, community involvement manager, said: "As a team we are so proud and excited to be able to open our doors and turn the idea of SinglePoint Community Hub into a reality.

"With the backing of lottery funding this is an exciting time for the families of Oldbury.

"This project will offer a safe, welcoming place where families can develop the skills they need to enjoy a full and healthy family life with a helping hand.

"Families are, and have always been the focus of this project - SinglePoint is what it says on the tin - inspiring families, changing Lives - and as a team, that is what we intend to do."

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children and families Councillor Bob Badham said: "Congratulations to the schools for banding together to continue with services which will be a tremendous help to local families."