Statement from our Trustees of Community Spaces Northampton

It is with deep regret that we announce, from today (9th July 2025) the closure of our community engagement programme, which has been running at our community centres in Semilong, Bellinge and Briar Hill for 3+ years.

Please be assured that all our community centres remain open for business and bookings as usual, and we will continue our work in the heart of our local communities.

This Community Programme was originally launched with support from local authority funding in the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdowns, to help tackle isolation and provide vital support to residents. Since then, it has grown to offer much more – including access to hot meals, clothing, toys, food parcels, advice sessions and a safe, welcoming space for local people.

That initial funding came to an end more than 18 months ago. Since then, Community Spaces Northampton has continued to run the programme at the three community centres using its own limited resources.

Sadly, those funds have now been exhausted and we were not successful with a few recent funding bids. As a result, and in order to safeguard the future of the wider charity, the trustees have made the incredibly difficult decision to close the programme.

We know this will be disappointing news for many in our communities and we want to reassure you that this decision was not taken lightly.

Looking ahead, our trustees will be engaging with local partners and stakeholders to explore potential new models and future partnerships. Our hope is that we will be able to reshape and relaunch a version of the community programme that continues to support the communities we serve.

Once again, we must stress that our community centres are open for business and bookings as usual.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support.