Making Waterloo Action Centre "a true community hub"

The Waterloo Action Centre in Baylis Road has been a focus of community activity in Waterloo for more than 35 years.

Services offered at WAC include advice on benefits eligibility, free legal advice. events and support for older people, support to carers and room hire for community events and public meetings.

WAC is also the home of several key community organisations including the Association of Waterloo Groups, the Waterloo Community Development Group and the Bangladeshi Community Group.

In addition the Waterloo Gallery is available for hire to local artists and organisations.

Now the new management committee – elected by local community groups – has agreed a new structure to take the centre forward over the coming year.

The committee is chaired by Robin Pembrooke. Revd Jane Kustner is the lead member for services, local businessman Kevin Phillips is the lead member for premises issues and Alix Leese has particular responsibility for policy.

Committee members are Ruth Mitchell, Bob Smith, Jenny Stiles, Louisa O'Roukes, Sara Powell, Rosa Wright and Aziz Islam

“There's a huge amount to do – the centre offers a wide variety of services and we're aiming to further improve and expand the quality of what is offered," says incoming chair Robin Pembrooke.

"Our aim is to make WAC a true community hub for people and organisations based in our neighbourhood.”

The new committee is keen to involve local residents who have experience in fundraising or financial management and communications to further strengthen the committee. If any local residents would be interested in getting involved in the committee they should approach any of the new committee members or email [email protected]

There is also a call for volunteers and local businesses to get involved with the work of the centre and securing it for the future.

Following recent consultation events the committee has a huge number of suggestions to take forward, including the refurbishment of parts of the centre and extension of services offered. These are being shaped into a new plan for the centre which will be discussed with other community groups at the Waterloo Community Conference on Saturday 16 June.

Essential services for the community

All of the social services provided at WAC are managed by Liz Conroy. Liz is hoping to attract even more local residents to use the centre. In addition to advice on benefits entitlement and debt coucilling, Liz's team is currently building an active network of carers who live in the area.

To find out more about these services contact Liz on 020 7261 1404 or [email protected]

A facility that can be used by everybody

Waterloo Action Centre is offering its hall spaces (accessible for disabled people) for hire at competitive rates. The premises are managed by Chike Azuonye. Halls are available seven days a week to cater for groups up to 100 people for seminars, rehearsals, birthday parties and receptions.

For more information call Chike on 020 7928 2243 or send an email to [email protected]