News

The Community Foundation, the well-known independent grant-making organisation, commenced the project to develop Acorn House to provide a range of resources to the local voluntary and SME sectors in 2005. The project has included the creation of a state-of-the-art conference and training suite, a ‘hot desk’ suite, a crèche and enhanced office space for several voluntary sector tenant organisations.

Currently in development is the Acorn House Membership Scheme for local voluntary sector organisations and SMEs, which will provide access to discounted rates for the new facilities, as well as access to benefits such as a central purchasing scheme, resource room, information provision about the voluntary sector, and networking opportunities.

Dr Phyllis Starkey expressed her deep support for the initiative, stating: “This is exactly what the local community needs – a range of top level services and resources that can be accessed from a single building – Acorn House. I am delighted to see the funds allocated to the Community Foundation from the ODPM being used so fruitfully.”

Speaking about the visit, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation, Julia Seal, said: “We are extremely grateful to Dr Phyllis Starkey for taking time out of her schedule to come and see us at Acorn House; and we are so pleased to be able to count her as another of our many supporters for the work we are undertaking to support and strengthen the local community.”