Aspire Ryde’s new High Street community facility – the Aspire Ryde Community Hub (ARCH) – has been officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon.
Aspire Ryde, based in Dover Street, expanded earlier this year into a smaller retail unit to move their retail-specific operations to a dedicated site. Larger new premises now offer the chance to reach more vulnerable individuals needing help in the community, and greater footfall from this central position will significantly improve charity retail income.
The Lord-Lieutenant declared the facility in the former Just Home/Readers building officially open on Friday (6th December 2019) to a keen audience of volunteers and wider community fundraisers and helpers who have worked so hard over the last month to make this happen.
Trevor Nicholas, Chief Executive of Aspire Ryde, said:
“This is a fabulous development for the people of Ryde. Aspire is a vibrant charity committed heart and soul to helping people transform their lives and the places where they live. This new space will significantly enhance our community outreach, and provide sustainable retail income for the important work of our charity.”
Aspire Ryde Community Hub will offer regular workshops for people to learn new skills, Citizens Advice with additional confidential café sessions supporting mental health and individuals suffering all forms of hardship. This will be alongside the paint recycling project; a refurbishment and sales bike shop; a regular craft sewing group upcycling fabrics into merchandise; and an eclectic selection of items for sale including bespoke commissioned products.
A wide range of community creative projects will be showcased including contemporary art supported by local artists.
Regular shop opening times will be Tuesday-Saturday between 10:00-16:00. The address is: 35 High Street, Ryde.
