Tamar View Community Centre in Barne Barton has been serving the community for over 20 years under the leadership of Pat Patel.
Centre general manager Pat and the team have achieved much over the last two decades. First the purchase of the freehold of the centre was secured, followed by construction of an extension to provide office space and the building of the Co-op store, purchasing the Resource Centre and the building of the Cabin at Tamar View Nursery.
The portfolio of properties is now estimated to be worth around £4.5 million.
“It is distressing to see so much need within our community”
The team at Tamar View has over the years provided activities such as parents and toddler groups, work clubs, keep fit classes, led on initiatives such as Weeks of Action to help reduce crime on the estate, supported young people on the estate by the provision of a youth programme as well as fun days and events for the whole community.
Since March last year when the country went into the first lockdown a food hub was set up which has to date provided over 500 food parcels for 1700 local people in need.
The 13,030kgs of food has provided the equivalent of 35,868 meals. The team has also raised money to provide other essential items such as toiletries, sanitary products and nappies for people finding themselves in crisis.
The majority of people using the service are referred to Tamar View through Riverside School, nurseries in the area, health visitors, police and other community groups.
Pat Patel who has been volunteering to fundraise for the group through the crisis said:
“It is distressing to see so much need within our community, normally we give out about 40-50 food parcels a year. We are currently exceeding the annual number each and every month.
“The need is growing and I can see it being needed at this level for at least the next two years.
“The team, along with our community ambassadors produced 132 festive hampers which were distributed to local families over Christmas.”
The trustees have taken the opportunity provided by the lockdown to carry out major refurbishment of the centre using local tradesmen and have spent almost £100,000 from the centre’s reserves.
“This work will secure the future of Tamar View to continue serving the community for the next two decades,” said Lorraine Cox, centre manager at Tamar View.
Tamar View would like to thank North Plymouth Foodbank, Foodaid Plymouth and Riverside Primary School who have donated a steady supply of essential food items to help them meet the need at this critical time for the community.
Thanks also go to Clarion Housing, LiveWest, Sanctuary Housing, Plymouth City Council, Johnny Mercer MP, Plymouth Community Homes and North Yard Community Trust for funding towards the cost of additional essential food items and the cost of transportation to get supplies to Tamar View.
“Without this collaboration none of this would have been possible,” added Pat.
