Beauchamp Lodge Settlement

Charity Awards

New approaches to old problems

Beauchamp Lodge runs services and supports community organisations in the north Paddington area of London. In 1998, the charity was in crisis. It had little income and its services were redundant. After identifying gaps in local service provision, the Lodge refocused its objects and established a number of innovative projects.

The trustees appointed a new full time director. Ellenor Anwyl was faced with either winding up the charity or putting together a new business plan. She says: 'The most important thing was rescuing the charity from closure. Because of that we are now beginning to realise initiatives that are of physical and visible benefit to the local community.'

After consultation with local voluntary organisations, the council, funders and local people, the charity identified needs such as affordable office space, personal finance support, innovative learning and the provision of community meeting space. It employed staff mainly from outside the voluntary sector, bringing experience of a wealth of management practices.

After securing regeneration funding, the Lodge implemented a number of initiatives. The most imaginative is the Floating Classroom, a purpose built eco-friendly boat. From June 2001, it will take 6,000 children from socially excluded areas in London on educational tours of the local canal. Anwyl explains: 'The Lodge has always been associated with the canal and we wanted to continue that link.'

Beauchamp Lodge has established a community cafe next to the canal with a turnover of £60,000. For Anwyl, the cafe was the beginning of the regeneration of the area. - a derelict building was turned into a trendy affordable place to eat. The charity has also secured funding for a credit union to benefit 100,000 people excluded from banking facilities in an area where, with no banks or building societies nearby, loan sharks are highly active.

Beauchamp Lodge Settlement
Ellenor Anwyl
Director
020 8960 5588

admin@beauchamplodge.co.uk
reg no 223254

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