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One Stop Shop grew from
the vision of a number of local groups that wanted to bring
community-serving organisations into one place. They perceived the
need for high-quality, suitable, secure, accessible and welcoming
accommodation to house the voluntary sector organisations serving
Lutterworth, the surrounding rural areas and and even the adjacent
counties and other close local areas.
 After many years of campaigning, a number of disappointments,
research and further campaigning, the dream became reality in
January, 2003, when One Stop Shop at Wycliffe House opened its doors
to the public. The official opening was to come just over a year
later when the Princess Royal visited One Stop Shop to unveil a
plaque commemorating the event.
The development of One Stop Shop has enabled a number of
organisations to work together in partnership to deliver this
innovative and exciting facility. Sharing a building not only allows
everyone to benefit from combining resources, but also generates a
synergy and energy from working together which is to everyone's
advantage.
One Stop Shop at Wycliffe house is managed by an executive committee
with representatives from all the tenant organisations. As a
community led initiative, the project is dependent on volunteer time
and support from all the groups involved. Initial funding came from
the tenant organisations with considerable support from the
landlords, H.W. Coates Limited. Leicestershire County Council was
also able to provide a one-off grant towards the setting up and
conversion costs for the building.
Following on from the initial success, in April 2003, funding was
secured from the Welland Partnership to develop an ICT Access Centre
for the local community. The Community Computer Centre, known as C3
is now providing computer access and training opportunities for
local people and is a well-used and popular resource.
One Stop Shop at Wycliffe House is home to the following:
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Citizens Advice
Bureau
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Lutterworth
Improvement Partnership
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Lutterworth Town
Museum
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Crossroads - Caring
for Carers
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Volunteer Centre
Lutterworth
-
Lutterworth
Community Transport
-
Welland Enterprise
Centre
-
Lutterworth
Community Computer Centre
One Stop Shop has come a long way in a remarkably short space of
time and looks forward to the opportunities that the future will
bring. What has been achieved would not have been possible without
the commitment and determination of the volunteers and staff
involved.
If you would like to know more about
One Stop Shop, how it operates, and even how you might set up a similar
arrangement for voluntary organisations in your area, do not hesitate to
contact us. We should be pleased to provide you with as much information as
we can.
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