M&S Galleries Washington

Bilton Hall Community Trust was originally set up as Low Simonside Community Association in 1979, a former school site which transferred to the now Simonside Primary School in Jarrow. The Trust is now a registered charity (1171907) since March 6th, 2017. The Trust was formed to develop and manage the Community Centre with the aim of turning it into a successful, self-sustaining centre, providing the community with somewhere they can come to learn, relax and engage in activities. With a 40 year lease secured, ​Gradually over time, the Trust will invested in the Community Centre, securing capital grants and fundraising to improve the facilities. With further grant funding established in future will look to secure staff to help manage the site. ​Today the community centre is a thriving with around 20,000 visits from the South Tyneside community per year. ​The Centre has: 3 permanent tenants hiring space within the centre 20 casual user groups who offer activities and classes on a weekly basis A community cafe open 6 days a week, providing affordable and healthy food to the local and wider community And an events team providing large scale events for the community to attend. The Trust is on its way to a 100% financial sustainability by maximising the income generation techniques above and this will allow the organisation to become less grant funded reliant and more financially secure for future generations to benefit from the centre. Purpose To create opportunities for the benefit of the communities we serve Vision Our communities will have positive and inclusive engagement within their community facilities Values AMBITIOUS We will push ourselves to be best practice and achieve more and become a leader in our fields. COMMUNITY LED We will listen to the views and needs of our community, incorporate these into planning and feedback. RESPECTFUL We will consider the impact of the work we do, ensuring it compliments others yet achieves best standards. RESPONSIVE We will be quick to act and make the most of an opportunity or to address a need. RESILIENT We will respond to changing needs and priorities to ensure we are resilient for the future. ​ Strategic Priorities Improving Our Facilities We will secure investment into our community facilities to ensure they become go to destinations that meet the expectations of today. They will have facilities with high standards throughout and provide flexible booking spaces to accommodate a wide range of clients. ​Growing Strong Community Businesses We will grow our community businesses to become leaders in the fields of events, catering and facility hire with well recognised brands. Our community businesses will diversify their income streams to ensure they become robust businesses that can support our trading arm. ​Responding to Community Need We will develop and deliver a range of community development programs

The facility will help to provide food donations and meals to any people who without discrimination would benefit from this service, including parent and toddler groups, subsidised meals group, ladies fellowship and any school children who take part in any of the activities the centre hosts (Holiday Clubs).

We are a food bank. We also provide packed lunches during school holidays The prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship in Washington and Springwell village in particular but not exclusively by: The provision of emergency food parcels, items, services and facilities to individuals in financial need. Contributing to and co-operating with charities and other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty from within Washington and Springwell village.