We're going to 'amplify the incredible work' of this historic Sunderland community centre

One of Sunderland’s longest-running community centres, St Michael’s Community Centre, formerly Grangetown Community Centre, in Stannington Grove, has served the area for more than 50 years.

It offers a wide range of activities for the community, from parent and toddler groups and youth groups to health and wellbeing meetings.

Since December 2023, the Trustees at St Michael's Community Centre has been supported by Back on the Map charity to deliver vital community services in the heart of the current St Michael's Ward.

The partnership has helped the board to improve the standards and safety at the centre, as well as deliver further activities and events for the community.

One of these was a closer relationship with the International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS) who began to use the facility to deliver a number of engaging activities for local people.

St Michael’s Charity is now entering a new chapter and is joining forces with ICOS to carry on the good work they achieved with Back on the Map, as the ICOS team take on the daily management of the centre.

This arrangement will see a more active centre with added offerings for local people, many living in the newly-named, nearby wards of Sunderland City Council, with the centre itself situated in the Grangetown Ward.

Liz McEvoy, Chairperson of St Michael's Community Centre, said " We are looking forward to this next phase in the development of community services in partnership with ICOS who have been a wonderful addition to our existing offer.”

Joanne Cooper Chief Executive of Back on the Map said: "Back on the Map has been pleased to provide support to the Board of St Michael’s and assist in improving policies and procedures in the building making it safer for the local VCS groups that operate from the facility.

“We are delighted to hand over to ICOS whose services will provide ongoing support to the community and be embedded in the building.

Daniel Krzyszczak, Engagement Operations Manager from ICOS, added, " We are thrilled to partner with St Michael’s Community Centre to amplify the incredible work already happening on the ground.

“This long-term collaboration is about more than just resources; it’s about our shared mission to champion local rights and unlock new opportunities for all."

Although the community centre very much lives on, St Michael’s ward, after which the centre is named, will no longer exist after the May local elections.

Following changes to ward boundaries by the Local Government Boundary Commission, the current St Michael's, Ryhope and Hendon Wards are merging to form a new Grangetown Ward.