Earley Town Council is celebrating the success of its latest initiative, providing a safe, welcoming space for people looking for support. The Elizabeth Room, a former social club, was transformed by town council staff into a relaxing, cosy facility reserved for use by groups for whom a more formal community hall setting would not be appropriate. The self-contained space has a soothing colour scheme and features versatile comfortable seating, tea and coffee making facilities, its own kitchen area and a children’s corner, complete with games, toys and books.
Opened earlier this year, the Elizabeth Room is already hosting a wide range of groups supporting local people. Feedback from users has been very positive, they have welcomed the town council’s understanding that surroundings and the discrete nature of the facility can be so important when delivering support to those who may need it. They have also commented that, before this facility was opened, many groups and organisations had no option but to deliver their services from large town centres such as Reading and Wokingham, which could itself be a barrier to reaching those in need.
Regarding the success of the Elizabeth Room, the Town Clerk, Jo Friend, said “This unique project has been so rewarding for all involved. To be able to provide a safe, welcoming space for those in need of support whether that be people experiencing social isolation, low mental health, victims of violence or those at risk of prejudice or discrimination, is something Earley Town Council is proud to do. The fact that in the autumn we will be providing a home to the first Andy’s Man Club group in Berkshire, a male suicide prevention charity, is evidence that this type of unique facility is much need.”
Groups and organisations who think they may benefit from using the Elizabeth Room are encouraged to contact Earley Town Council for further information on 0118 986 8995 or email [email protected]
