The Hayling Island Community Centre Association (HICCA) received financial support from Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – just in time for the post-pandemic recovery.
The Hayling Island Community Centre Association (HICCA) is crucial to the community as it has been home to hundreds of social groups, fitness classes and life and employment advice to the residents of Hayling Island for over 39 years.
When the pandemic hit, funding became critical as all these activities, which were the lifeblood of the organisation, had to be cancelled in line with government guidance.
At one point, without financial assistance, HICCA started to worry about its future as they faced the prospect of not surviving until its 40th birthday on 24th July.
Now, the community organisation has received help via Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Community Fund Scheme, which donates £1,000 to worthy causes in the region each month.
Iona Harkness, the Centre Manager, is over the moon that HICCA has been the recipient of this monetary lifeline from Barratt and David Wilson Homes.
She said: “During the Covid crisis, we have only been able to generate a very small portion of revenue from a few weeks of room hire, which meant we were facing the very real possibility of having to close the doors permanently.
“This very generous donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes will make a hugely positive difference to the future of our centre, and to the groups that use it on a regular basis.
“We have all learnt about the damage isolation can cause over recent months and our centre is here to bring the community back together. We want to secure this vital facility for the residents of Hayling Island.”
HICCA provides a wonderful support for the community, and when Barratt and David Wilson Homes heard about the difficulties the organisation were facing, they had to step in and offer their help.
Tammy Bishop, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, Southampton Division, said: “After we heard about the challenges this community charity was facing during the pandemic, we had to help.
“The Hayling Island Community Centre is a community hub, and this kind of facility is even more important now after 18 months of separation from friends and family.”
As well as support from the housebuilders, HICCA has also launched a ‘Save Our Centre’ fundraising campaign, which is asking local people to donate or fundraise for this vital community facility.
Along with it being a home for several local groups, the centre is the base for regular blood donations and is an emergency centre for the Island in the event of a disaster. HICCA has also set up a community food pantry, for those on the Island that are in need of extra support.
The Barratt and David Wilson Homes Community Fund is a dedicated financial resource that helps to support local causes which improve the quality of life for those living in the region.
For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes and their new developments in the area, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk