A community interest company is fit for the future, after securing funding towards much-needed repair work.
B Active N B Fit has been supported with funding from Hendon’s community chest, which will allow the enterprise to cover the costs of essential repairs to guttering and waste-pipes, as well as CCTV cameras, which had been smashed by vandals.
Labour councillor for Hendon, Councillor Michael Mordey, supported the organisation after receiving a community chest application from founding managing director Lynn Summerside, who was left feeling ‘totally disheartened’ after finding the social enterprise’s base vandalised.
Councillor Mordey said: “We have some exceptional community interest companies across the city, but as a Hendon councillor, I am particularly proud of the businesses we have in this ward, that do so much to improve the lives of our residents.
“People like Lynn work tirelessly to give something back to the communities they serve, and it can be really difficult for them – when unforeseen costs emerge – to carry on their good work. I am pleased to be able to support Lynn and B Active N B Fit, to ensure that the building from which it operates is fit for purpose and well-maintained.”
Councillor Mordey supported B Active N B Fit with more than £900 of funding, to ensure the business is able to carry out repairs immediately. The company is based out of the Old Bowling Pavilion, and has been able to convert it into a retreat for its most vulnerable users to stay fit and well, reducing social isolation, and help people maintain independent living using an holistic approach.
The company offers tailored structured exercise programmes and wellbeing services to suit the individuals it works with, helping people reach their full potential and lead full, healthy lives. As well as exercise groups, B Active N B Fit delivers therapeutic exercise; movement and dance; holistic therapies and health improvement to people of all ages and social backgrounds.
Lynn Summerside, who set up the business to support people to lead more healthy, active lives, said: “As a social enterprise, we really do just want to give something back to people in Hendon and Sunderland, so it was devastating to see that our building had been damaged so mindlessly.
“We have invested so much into the building – time and money – to make sure we create a place that can be enjoyed by our clients, and when costs like those for unexpected repairs arise, as a tiny enterprise, we simply don’t have the reserves to dip into our pockets each time.
“The council has been a great support to us, and Michael in particular couldn’t do more. Despite money being tight, he has always tried his best to help us, and we’re incredibly grateful for his support.”