A CHARITY in Stourport which runs a social day centre and offers meals and more to the over 50s in the town is looking for more trustees to safeguard its long-term future.
The Elizabeth Mills Centre, based in Sion Gardens, has been serving the local community since its launch in 1969.
It was originally known as Stourport on Severn Social Day Centre and strives to prevent social exclusion by old age or ill health.
It was renamed in 2010 to recognise the achievements of Elizabeth Mills, a local councilor for many years and former mayor of Stourport.
The land and buildings are owned by Stourport Town Council but the charity itself is run by an independent board of trustees. They aim to continue the tradition of promoting good health and enhancing the wellbeing of residents of Stourport and the surrounding area.
The charity’s lease with Stourport Town Council for the building it currently operates in is due to run out in August this year.
And, although the council is open to discussions for extending the lease, the charity needs more trustees so it can take up the option.
The charity has a stable financial footing and has achieved a surplus in the last two financial years, but the current board of trustees urgently needs help to enable them to be confident in extending the lease after the autumn of 2026
The Elizabeth Mills Centre has a variety of roles on offer which would suit people with different skills. Among them are health and safety, finance and HR and general management.
With the extra trustees, the charity would be able to secure the centre for its future.
Meeting
To discuss the current situation, an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) is being held at the centre at 2pm on March 6.
The charity is inviting anyone interested in the centre and particularly prospective new trustees to go along to the EGM.
Trustees will help take the Elizabeth Mills Centre ‘into a new era’.
The charity has provided subsidised hot meals for many years and currently provides a two-course meal costing £7 for over 50s for three days per week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday).
It currently provides around 70 meals every week.
Meals are served between midday to 1pm and it is a popular service so booking is advised.
To book, call the centre on 01299 823240.
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a trustee should email the centre for more information at: [email protected] or call Ken Henderson on 07958 161601.
