The Trinity Centre, in East Avenue, which has been a lifeline for many people in Newham over the years, is delighted to open its doors again after the Covid-19 pandemic closure.

Before re-opening we looked at how best to keep all our centre users safe. We provided additional training for staff in Covid-19 related hygiene, adapted the space to meet social distancing requirements, and installed hand sanitisers. We also introduced entrance and exit markers to reduce contact between people entering and leaving the building. If you need masks or gloves, they are now available.

The first service we re-opened was our day care nursery for children aged six months to five years. Initially take-up was slow with parents struggling to manage their work commitments and need for childcare against their anxieties about safety. We are now seeing a more confident mood. Parents feel happy with the safety measures that have been put in place and children, once again, are pleased to see their friends and enjoy the activities delivered by our nursery team.

We have also started our annual summer holiday programme for children up to eight years, in addition to the regular day care provision. For parents or carers needing either service, please call 020 8552 3992 or email nurserymanager@thetrinitycentre.org.

Trinity is also a base for independent groups who want to deliver their own activities. We are a home for faith groups, training programmes, sport and various educational and social activities. Our large and small halls, worship area, classrooms, meeting space and offices provide long and short term facilities to a wide cross-section of people who want a meeting space.

We are proud to work with all the different communities in Newham so if you need a space to meet or run an activity, call me on 020 8472 8947 or email me at paul@thetrinitycentre.org.

It’s really heartening to see people getting on with their lives and meeting each other after being in isolation for so long. Our pensioner groups have also begun meeting again, exercise programmes are again offering much needed opportunities for improving health, and vulnerable groups have a community base to access support.

We look forward to seeing you, so feel free to pop in the next time you pass by.

Paul Chelliah is the director of the Trinity Centre in Manor Park

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