Our community space at Chandos Community Centre is at risk, and we need urgent support.

We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation that provides free and low-cost events for local residents, including older people, families, and young people. Our activities—such as bingo sessions, children’s events, and community gatherings—play a vital role in reducing isolation and bringing people together.

We were relocated to Chandos Community Centre as a temporary solution after our original centre was due to be redeveloped. We were told this would allow us to continue serving the community while saving funds to eventually return. However, since Newham Council took over management of the building, we are now facing significant challenges that threaten our ability to continue.

We are being asked to pay high fees, including a proposed £1,500 per month (just for the lounge area)  plus additional charges for using the hall. As a non-profit organisation, these costs are not sustainable. On top of this, we are being charged over £4,400 for events that were already planned before the Council took over, or took place during a period when we were told to continue operating as normal. We strongly dispute these charges.

The situation has escalated further, with locks being changed and access to the building restricted unless we meet a list of conditions. This has disrupted our ability to run events and access our own equipment.

This issue is not just about our organisation—it affects the entire community who rely on this space for connection, support, and activities.

We are calling for a fair and reasonable solution that allows community-led organisations like ours to continue operating without being priced out or pushed aside.

We need your support to protect this space and ensure it remains accessible, inclusive, and truly for the community.