Volunteer groups using the Taylor Road Day Centre have been celebrating following a new rental agreement between community group Positive Network and the owners of the centre, Merton Council.

The lease was signed and keys handed over on Friday 1 July, allowing all services to continue and residents to benefit from intergenerational support, education and social events organised by the group throughout the year.

The Taylor Road Day Centre is a community centre in Mitcham which provides day services for elders from the black and minority ethnic (BME) community. Located in Mitcham, the centre offers community services and activities which bring all generations together to over 300 people every week. The centre is also used by a number of local agencies, community and voluntary groups.

Grace Salmon, Director of the Positive Network said: “So much great work goes on at Taylor Road and we’re glad that this will carry on growing. We have dedicated volunteers and loyal members so we are confident this will be a success. It will be a multicultural centre and I’m looking forward to working with other groups in the borough and organising our multicultural festival.”

Cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Martin Whelton said: “The commitment between Merton Council and Positive Network means that Mitcham residents can keep a valuable community service during these tight economic times. This is a great example of how a voluntary organisation has worked with us to come up with a mutually-beneficial arrangement, enabling them to continue to deliver their services to the community.”

For more information on Positive Network visit http://www.postive-network.com or call 020 8646 7512.

Notes to editors:

Photo attached is of Grace Salmon, Positive Network’s Director

The Positive Network Community Project was founded in 2002 to bridge the gap between the young and the old in BME communities. The older members of the organisation pass on their knowledge, skills and experience to the young people through a range of classes, activities, special events and information and advice sessions. Positive Network have been providing intergenerational activities from Taylor Road Day Centre for six years.

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Press Contact:
Leoni Munslow
Communications Assistant
London Borough of Merton
020 8545 4654