A NUMBER of events are being set up to help save a much loved community centre.

The Advertiser reported earlier this year that an appeal has been launched to raise £5,000 to help REACH CIC deliver much needed local services for the town, and keep the centre open.

REACH CIC provides the only community venue in Winyates and the services that are provided include financial and benefits advice, help and assistance to those in need, advocacy, a safe place to meet or seek support and a home for groups from the local area.

REACH (Redditch East Aspiring Communities Hub) grew out of the Winning Winyates Project that was funded by Worcestershire County Council from 2010 to 2015.

Like many projects across the country the funding ended in June 2015.

Those responsible decided to take a leap of faith and set up REACH CIC.

However, there are extremely limited grants available for projects such as REACH, so they need help to continue their good work.

In June the Winyates Pub will be hosting a variety night with Karaoke, comedy and tarot reading.

The date has not been set but people are being urged to keep their eyes open.

Liz Williams, director of REACH, said: “The response from our local communities to our appeal for help to keep The Space open and to continue to provide vital services for the East of Redditch, has been really strong and other events and activities are being planned for the rest of the year.

"Our just giving page has received more donations and the future is starting to look a lot brighter."

Rachel Ind, children and families director, added: “We may not climb mountains, run marathons, row across oceans or jump out of aeroplanes, but the help and support we give to the people of our local area can and does change their worlds. The support we receive from these people and local businesses means we can continue and grow our work."

A fundraising page set up at the end of last year has managed to raise £300.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/reach-cic.

Funding cuts across the public sector have meant an ever-increasing reliance on organisations such as REACH CIC to fill the gaps left in provision.