Scarborough TEC announces The Rainbow Centre as first-ever Principal’s Charity

Scarborough TEC is delighted to announce The Rainbow Centre, a social action project based in Scarborough, will be the first Principal’s Charity, as chosen by the college’s Principal, Ann Hardy, and the team of staff.

The Rainbow Centre was established in 1997 and aims to support, uplift and encourage those who are homeless, struggling with issues of substance abuse, have recently been released from prison or have other social issues.  Trish Kinsella, Manager of the Rainbow Centre, explained:

“Twenty years ago this year, the then Vicar of St Mary’s Parish House, Bob Jackson, wanted to extend the work taking place in the church into our community and he had a vision to feed the hungry, clothe the people who needed clothes and to be there for people who were in need.  We can see up to 100 people every day.

“We do this because we feel this work is very important to us and the Parish.  To have been here for twenty years, especially coming out of the recession, is a testament to the commitment of the work that we do.”

In 2016, the centre helped 2046 individual clients, and offers support in a variety of ways, including;

• Debt and bankruptcy advice
• Emergency clothing
• Shower and washing facilities
• Bedding
• Housing and benefit advice

The centre also operates The Rainbow Café, offering a space for meeting with reasonably priced food, a children’s nursery and a Wednesday Club, targeted at over 65s who live alone.

Scarborough TEC will now aim to raise much-needed funds for the centre throughout the year with students and staff taking part in activities, organised by themselves and the college, which will be donated to the centre.

Ann Hardy, Principal of Scarborough TEC, explained why the college has chosen to support the centre:

“I was very keen to introduce a Principal’s Charity because I wanted to see all of the monies from our many fundraising activities going towards a charity that made a difference on a local level.

“When we discussed which charity we should support, The Rainbow Centre, kept coming up, and it really did seem like a natural choice because of all of the fantastic work that they do in our region. I really hope that we can make a difference and I’m looking forward to finding new wats to develop our relationship over the coming months.”

Trish added: “We rely on people’s generosity and, it’s fantastic when anyone offers their help, but when young people support us in this way and to want to make a difference to people’s lives is so special and it just means that little bit more.”

Anyone interested in offering support to The Rainbow Centre can contact Trish by calling 07447 095190 or by email to [email protected]