centre
The Community Centre serves as an educational, social, recreational and cultural facility for the Benedy community and surrounding area, with a vision to future economic development.
The Centre is a user-friendly, neutral venue and is used by all sections of the community and the surrounding district, promoting good relations. The Association appreciates the help and support received from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, DAERA and the other statutory bodies. Working in partnership with such bodies is imperative, as there are so many issues affecting life in rural areas which have to be addressed for the long term sustainability of rural communities.
In the day-to-day use of the centre we provide administrative services - photocopying, faxing, use of the computer and internet, support to all user groups and networking with all other community groups providing information on Job Opportunities and signposting towards suitable positions to the skills of the individual. Assistance in the completion of Job Applications and CVs along with daily support and help for the elderly and the lonely. With the centre being the focal point of the community, it supports farmers, keeping up to date on the community rural development and changes in farming, which have become necessary due to environmental requirements by DAERA.
Throughout the year, the centre is in use every evening and night, also at weekends. Our present user groups are the weekly Luncheon Club, Gardening Club, Benedy Youth Club/Summer Scheme, DAB Farmer's Association and the Benbradagh Club. Also on the third Wednesday of each month there is a social evening for the over 60's. Along with these activities, classes/training is on going from DAERA, CAFRE (Greenmount) for farmers and farm families.
There is a Glass and Clothes Recycling Facility at the centre for the use of all members of the community who are becoming more aware of the importance of caring for the environment as we are all custodians of the countryside and are keen to attract tourists to our area. Visitors can enjoy local amenities such as walking, cycling, photography and fishing. The Benedy has an interesting archaelogical heritage to offer in addition to outstanding scenery and unspoilt countryside.
The centre certainly has much to offer, boasting a newly refurbished Conference Room with large kitchen facilities, a function/training room for hire at competitive rates, use of flip charts, TV/Video, screen, overhead projector and PA System, all of which are included in the room hire costs. Also available are office facilities - photocopying, laminating and faxing with educational resources such as computers, broadband and an area study. Catering facilites are also available on request for training groups, bus tours and visiting groups, walkers and cyclists.
Our outdoor facilities include state of the art play park along with spacious car parking facilities and beautiful garden which enhances the entire facility.
Social evenings are organised for foreign groups/tourists, study tours and residentials and day trips are organised for the youth or elderly by members of staff. Committed to health and safety, staff at the centre are always on hand to provide support to those using the facilities.
Catherine Farrimond, Community Development Officer of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council stated "I would like to highlight the excellence of the staff, committee, volunteers and user groups of the Bened Community Association. I would likelike to promote the group as a model of good practice for others. I greatly enjoy working with the group and I commend them on their sterling work. I am always greeted with a warm welcome. I wish the group well for the future."
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