A COMMUNITY centre is now open to help young people in Sidley and Bexhill tackle isolation and to provide them training and educational opportunities.
The Pelham Basement, in Holliers Hill, was previously a hotel dating back to 1900. It has now become a charity centre that helps enrich people’s lives as a community hub and coffee lounge.
The charity also helps young people build connections and opportunities through engagement activities and projects, counselling, and creating a space for young people to talk about issues they are concerned about in a non-judgmental environment.
The Pelham was purchased by Sidley Baptist Church to transform the space into a community hub.
The church raised more than £400,000 in donations and purchased the freehold of the building for 250,000 in 2012.
In 2014, The Pelham charity was launched and in 2015, it became the community hub and coffee lounge.
In the last five years, the charity underwent three phases of refurbishment and development.
The Pelham chief executive, Ollie Jeffs, said: “The renovation of the basement into a usable and desirable space for local young people has been by far our most ambitious capital project yet.
“It has been a genuine community effort, from our generous funders and supporters to the dedication and skill of our contractors.
“We believe this space will bring great hope, community and opportunities to children
and young people in our town for many generations to come”.
The basement was officially opened on September 18 last year in a ceremony attended by Bob Harper, chairman of Trustees, Ollie Jeffs and Dave Mills (Youth Worker) who shared their vision for this new space and fervently hope that it will positively impact many young lives in Sidley and Bexhill.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by the Town Mayor, Councillor Lynn Brailsford, and Logan Pitcher, who is one of the young people who has been a part of the youth group for five years.
The opening event was sponsored by Gary Tidman at Only Lifts, who have installed both lifts at The Pelham.
The Pelham is extremely grateful for significant capital grants for the extensive works from Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme, Biffa Award, Benefact Trust, LOCASE, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Sussex Community Foundation and Sussex Police.
The Pelham was then further benefited by grants and donations from local organisations and companies for the resourcing and equipping of the space.
The Pelham extends its thanks to the Bexhill Lions, Rotary Club of Senlac, Heart of Sidley, De La Warr Pavilion, Southover Manor Trust, Box Broadband, Howdens and Wickes.
The Pelham’s Tuesday after school youth group have been enjoying the space, as well as The Pelham Counselling Service expanding its provision for young people in the basement.
The 1st Sidley Scout group are now regular users and other projects to date have included music workshops, holiday clubs, pastoral care support and a filmography project.
The space is available to hire seven days a week, from 9am to 9pm for children and youth-focused organisations and partnership opportunities.
For enquiries, email bookings@thepelham.co.uk or ring 01424 576304. Alternatively email: office@thepelham.co.uk.
