Hays Preston - Guildhall Street

The Residents Association of Farringdon and Thirlmere (RAFT) is a not for Profit Constituted Community Group. Established 1st April 1999 Aims and Objectives 1. To raise the profile of RAFT and make every effort to ensure our local residents are kept informed about the Community Group and what it is doing 2. To work with all residents within the Community Group’s boundaries and represent their Views and Concerns 3. To provide all members with appropriate information and a Community Centre for residents to meet formally to consider matters of local concern and importance 4. To encourage and promote a sense of Community spirit in the area 5. We will not discriminate against members of the Community because of their ethnicity, age, sexuality, gender, disability, religious or cultural belief or marital status 6. To provide social connections, friendship, and practical and emotional support 7. To develop local pride amongst our residents 8. To promote various educational and training activities, that will enhance the lives of residents 9. To organise social and enjoyable activities for members in all age groups 10. To promote good relations with service providers and agencies in the area Services we offer: * Weekly Food Club * Weekly Youth Club * Weekly Over 50's Friendship Club * Weekly Community Cafe * Sports & Social Activities The majority of services we provide are free of charge. However our Community Cafe is not for profit so we do ask for a small payment to cover cooked food cost. Children eat a free breakfast. We apply for funding to purchase our basic food via fare share. We network closely with Preston City Councillors, Lancashire County Councillors, Lancashire Police, the Local Primary School and Gateway Community Housing to highlight the work we do in the community.

Together with the Police Cadets and Intrepid Explorers we are changing an unkempt, litter strewn area into a stumpery attracting wildlife using sustainable planting and tree stumps. The area is fast becoming a focal point for the community and was recently used by Chorley in Bloom in their bid for North West in Bloom. The area is already attracting wildlife including frogs but there is still lots of planting and work to do. The opposite area has also been renovated to make a beach scene together with sand and boat, again using sustainable planting . We are still in need of plants, compost and logs to finish this very attractive area,